Lula Grace Melton

The memorial service of Grace Melton, 101, of Gainesville, is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, with Rev. John Fleming officiating, under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. Interment will be at 12 Noon in Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Melton will lie in repose on Wednesday, September 27 at the funeral home.

Mrs. Melton passed away September 24, 2017 in Gainesville

Grace was born July 31, 1916 in Woodbine to Abner J. and Estella Cook. She graduated from Gainesville High School and then attended McMurry College in Abilene. Grace returned home to help her Uncle Vernie Aston, who owned the only combine that serviced several counties. She drove the food truck that followed the combine from place to place, fetching the food and serving the workers in the fields.

During the war, Grace worked for the Army at Camp Howze; her supervisor was in charge of acquiring land to house the 39,000 soldiers who trained there. In the 1960’s she opened and operated a fabric business on California Street called The Fabric House. Grace’s real career began when she became a Realtor. She and her partner, Palma Hildebrand, bought and sold houses together for many years. After Grace retired, she owned and managed rental houses.

Grace loved to travel and visited many places, including Hong Kong. She lived at the Wheeler House for the last several years and celebrated her 100th birthday last year with family and friends. Beloved by many, Grace will be dearly missed.

Survivors include: daughter Marilyn Melton of Gainesville; business partner and best friend Palma Hildebrand; loving caregiver Peggy Crombie; and forever special and childhood friends: Barb, Brenda, Deby, Gayle, Jan, JoAnn, Mary, and Paula.

Mrs. Melton was preceded in death by: her parents; husband Bill Melton Jr.; and sister Verna Ross Schuhmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, or Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter.