Billie Jean Melton

Billie Jean Melton was born on August 6, 1933 and left us February 2, 2013, at the age of 79. She was born in Rockdale, Texas to Lola Mae Melton. There she lived with her mother, grandmother, Effie Mae Melton and grandfather, Tye Melton until she was six years old. When she was six, they moved to Houston. She grew up in the northeast side of town, where she was never afraid to walk to stores or ride the bus across town with her family and friends, even at an early age.

On December 10, 1949, she married her husband, Maurice Melton. They were married for 50 years, 11 months and 18 days. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December of 1999 along with many friends and relatives. Three children were born to Billie and Maurice; Karen Melton Gonzales, Donna Melton Gonzales and Barry Melton. They also had five grandchildren; Kristi Gonzales Cervantes, Michael Gonzales, Donny Gonzales, Kirstal Gonzales and Danielle Melton Schultz. Even though Marice never had the opportunity to see and enjoy his great grandchildren, Billie was able to enjoy and spoil the four that were born. Their names are Nathan Gonzales, Blake Gonzales, Riley Gonzales and Clara Schultz.

Billie spent the first fifteen years of her marriage as a housewife and mother. In 1965, she went to work for Montgomery Wards as a sales clerk in the ladies sportswear department at the Northline Mall location. She later worked herself up to the fine jewelry department where she becamse manager. She transferred to the Willowbrook Mall location when it opened in 1981 where she remained until she stepped down as department manager and retired in 1995 to be home with her invalid husband. She returned as a part time employee for an additional five years until Montgomery Wards closed in early 2001. After her husband died in November, 2000, she returned to work full time. When Montgomery Wards did close, she went to wrk for Walgreens in February 2001 and worked full time iuntil July 2010. She always said that "her legs just gave out on her".

Billie enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, reading, watching TV, going to the beauty salon, getting manicures and pedicures, and above all, talking. When she began to stay at home more often, she really enjoyed her phone conversations with her family and friends.

Billie is predeceased by her mother, Lola Mae Coker, her brother, Donnie Coker and her husband, Maurice Melton. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Gonzales and husband Cruz, her daughter Donna Gonzales and her son, Barry Melton. She is also survived by her sister, Maxine Roach and brother, Morris Coker. She is also survived her her five grandchildren, Kristi Cervantes and husband, Frank; Michael Gonzales and wife Stephanie; Donny Gonzales; Kristal Gonzales and Danielle Schultz and husband, Eric and four great grandchildren, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.