Joanne Janelle Melton, age 90, passed peacefully to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home in Greenville, Texas.


Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. April 21 2026 at the Stillwater First Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Euchee Valley Cemetery in Cushing. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.


She was born on June 22, 1935, to Samuel Scelous O'Kelley and Juanita Marie (Wright) O'Kelley.


Following her graduation from Drumright High School, Joanne began her career with Southwestern Bell, later AT&T, where she faithfully worked until her retirement.


On October 19, 1956, she was united in marriage to Eddie Warren Melton in Drumright, Oklahoma. Together, they began their life and made their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they became members of Central Church of the Nazarene.


Joanne remained a devoted member of the Nazarene Church throughout her life. She faithfully served by teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir, both of which brought her great joy.


She had a deep love for her family and cherished time spent together. Joanne was especially known for her baking, turning pies and her pineapple upside-down cake into something truly special.


In her quiet moments, she enjoyed reading, working puzzles, and playing cards.


Joanne is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Janelle Thomas and her husband Glenn of Abilene, Texas; Roxanne Marie Hight and her husband Ron of Greenville, Texas; and Melanie Anne Jacobs of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her sister, Sammy Kay Gourley of Stillwater, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; one sister; and two nephews.


As we remember Joanne, we are reminded of this Irish proverb: Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.