Melda was born on October 21, 1929, in Chattanooga, TN to the late William Roy Daughtrey, Sr. and the late Pauline (Polly) Archer Daughtrey. She lived her early life between Chattanooga and Soddy Daisy, TN.
She is preceded in death by her beloved late husband William (Bill) D. Newman, Jr.
Survivors include her two sons Scott Newman (Betsy) of Harrison and Gary Newman of Chattanooga; two sisters Dortha Ann Bradley and Jean Johnson both of Soddy; one brother William Roy (Butch) Daughtrey, Jr. (Mary) of Soddy; grandson Chris Newman of Harrison; great¬granddaughter Madyson Newman of Hixson; and several nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Central High School in Chattanooga she worked as secretary at Colonial Baking Company, secretary at Container Corporation, and executive secretary at First Federal Bank for over 20 years before retiring in 1989.
She was a member of The Helping Hands of the Alhambra Shrine Temple in Chattanooga for many years where she enjoyed working to help others. She was also an active member of Ridgedale Baptist Church since 2005 and a member of her beloved Grace Sunday School class.
The ladies of her Grace Sunday School class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be Max Johnson, Bill Johnson, Donnie Freeman, Blake Freeman, Bob Welch, and Thom Lerch.
Visitation will be from 4 PM till 8 PM on Sunday and on Monday from 11 AM to 12 PM with the celebration of life service following in the funeral home chapel at 12 PM. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church, "Ditch the Debt" program, 1831 Hickory Valley Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 or to Hospice of Chattanooga, 2030 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 220, Chattanooga, TN 37421
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the nurses, aids, and staff at Soddy Daisy Health Care and to Hospice of Chattanooga for the love and care given to our loved one over the last several months. Their love and care will always be remembered.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
