Lorene M. Melton of Newcastle, OK died Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Southridge Place in Oklahoma City at the age of 96. She was born April 1, 1927 in Long Creek, AR to Joel Sherman and Polly Harness Marshall.

She was an active member of New Heights Baptist Church, and in her younger years served there as a children’s Sunday school teacher.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, OU football, and fellowship with friends at her church. But she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially looked forward to seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Until recent years, she would regularly cook lunch for her family every Saturday, which they affectionately labeled “Bean Day.”

She attended Cosmetology School but choose to be a homemaker and take care of the family she adored. After her children were grown she worked at the school in her church cafeteria for a time.

She reflected the image of her Savior with her serving spirit. She always put others first. She possessed a sweet spirit and a memorable laugh and delighted those around her with her funny expressions and stories.

Survivors include her daughter, Beth Graham and husband, Ron of OKC, son, Joel C Melton and wife, Camille of Newcastle, grandchildren, Jacob Melton and wife Caity of Noble, Benjamin Melton and wife Caitlyn, of Mustang, Hannah Melton and husband Zach Simmons of Yukon, great grandchildren, Ellie, Jayne and Adaline as well as many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 63 years, James Cruz Melton.

Funeral Services were held at the Advantage South Memorial Chapel at Noon on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Burial followed at the Kuhlman Cemetery on Tinker, AFB, OK.