Vonda Davis Melton

She was born on May 2, 1937, in Cullman County and was raised in the Mill Village of Gadsden, Alabama. She was a 1956 graduate of Emma Sansom High School.

Vonda married Gerald C. Mostella December 22, 1954. She traveled with him and lived many places during his career with the United States Army. They returned to Gadsden, AL in 1968 and built a home in Hokes Bluff where she raised their two children.

Vonda was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff for over 50 years, where she faithfully served in many roles including College and Career teacher, running the church library, Acteens leader, Homebound ministry team member, and joyfully chaperoned numerous youth camps and choir trips.

Vonda made the decision later in life to further her education and received an associate's degree in nursing from Gadsden State Community College in 1979, one year after her son graduated high school. She enjoyed the many different areas of nursing throughout her career, embracing the opportunity to touch countless lives along the way. She retired in 1999 after fulfilling her true calling as a hospice nurse.

She lived a life marked by compassion, strength and deep devotion to her family and friends. She was a true prayer warrior and leaves behind a legacy of love and strong Christian faith.

Preceded in death by her parents, Charles Henry Davis and Edna Earl Prater. Brothers, Charles Donald Davis and Lowell Wade Davis; Son, James Keith “Jody” Mostella and Great Grandson, Theodore Blake “Teddy” Henley.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, DeAnna (Scott) Entrekin and Daughter-in-law, Susan Mostella; and brother, Harold (Trisha) Prater. Vonda was also a special loving “Granny” to Blake (Rachel) Mostella, Haley (Chris) Henley, Courtney (Blake) Bearden, Andrew (Ali) Entrekin; Brantley and Jackson Bearden, Mason Mostella, Oliver and Piper Jane Henley, Evalyn-Rose Entrekin, Preston Miltenberger and Maddox Stevens.

Services to honor Vonda’s life will be held on Friday, August 22,2025 at Collier Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, Alabama 35901.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following. Services will be officiated by Bro. Charles Smith, Bro. Allen Hudson and Bro. Ryan Morris.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and special friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Homebound Team of First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the following: First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff Homebound Ministry, 5052 Main Street, Gadsden, AL 35903 or Hokes Bluff Senior Center, 5981 Gilliland Rd, Gadsden, AL 35903.

A special thanks to Dr. Jyothi Tummala, ProHealth Hospice, and her loving caregivers, Kelli Wright, Kim Glass and Brianna Macon.

Also, a special thank you to her dear friends from the Hokes Bluff Senior Center, Allison Forham, Susan Murray and April Bohannon.