Betty Lou (Hannah) Melton

Betty Lou (Hannah) Melton of Lake Junaluska was born on December 3, 1943, in Haywood County, and passed away on October 9, 2026, at Elizabeth House, Hospice in E. Flat Rock at the age of 81.

Throughout her working years, she was employed in the textile industry, working at several mills until their successive closures. Following the closure of the last mill, and with encouragement from her sister, she began a new chapter as an associate at Walmart, where she remained until her retirement.

Her love for Jesus was an important part of her life, and she found joy in expressing her faith through music. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and served as choir director at Little Savanah Baptist Church where she loved going.

She also enjoyed gardening and had a special fondness for birds. She loved feeding and watching them, often looking up unfamiliar species to learn more about the birds that visited.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl Bryson Hannah, and Lorena Messer Wright. Her Husband Houston C. Melton Sr. Her Brothers Arthur Hannah, Carl Hannah, and Doug Hannah. Her sisters, Mazzie Carver, Mildred Green. She is survived by Her Daughter Patricia McDougald and husband Boyce, Her sons Houston Melton Jr. and wife Kim, and Michael Melton. She leaves behind one sister Maggie Rathbone, special nephews Joey Rathbone and Thad Hannah. Sister-in-law Sandra (Melton) Burns and Husband Robert (Bob).

In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated. A private memorial ceremony will be arranged later.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Four Seasons Hospice in memory of Betty Melton with heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional compassion, care, and support they provided to her and her family.