Edye Renee Melton

Edye was born on Sunday, April 19, 1964, in Houston, Texas. She is the first child of parents, Eddie Ray Ayres and Barbara Gayle Ayres (née McMurry). Edye grew up in Carrollton, Texas and graduated from RL Turner High School in 1982. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree at The University of North Texas in 1993. Edye held specialized professional certifications to teach in Special Education and English as a Second Language (ESL). She was a teacher in public schools in Irving, Dallas, Bastrop, Austin, and Dripping Springs serving students with disabilities for 15 years. Edye continued tutoring students across the country in a variety of subjects.

In retirement, Edye pursued more deeply the passions of her life while building lasting friendships along the way. She enjoyed fine dining, attending live performances, her gym family, her regular manicures, and her many house pets (dogs, cats, and parrots). Edye was a past board member and longtime volunteer at Pug Rescue of Austin. She engaged in creative interests including floral design, textile crafts (weaving, sewing, and knitting) and music (keyboard, guitar, and ukulele). Edye performed with the Community Choir at the South Austin Academy of Vocal Arts (SAAVA). Edye continued to serve the community of disabled persons as a volunteer for “Life Long Learning with Friends”, an inclusive continuing education program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Edye is survived by me, her husband (John Eric Melton) of 28 years, 11 months and 13 days; our niece who we raised and her husband, McKensi and Nash Mugica III along with their children Aaryn, Nash IV, and Aracely; and Edye’s younger brothers and sisters: Paula, Bethany, Brandon, Derrick, Taylor, Jordan, and Matt. Edye has rejoined her parents, Eddie and Barbara; her brother, Randy, and sister, Miranda.

“I desperately hope that as an aunt, and not just a great aunt, but the GREATEST aunt, that I can play some part in raising children up in such a way that when I’ve left, they won’t feel lost. I don’t want them to need me when I am gone.

Miss me, yes. Need me, no.”

We are having a private family service for her internment at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery 13700 North IH-35 Pflugerville, TX 78660 October 21, 2026, 2:00 PM. Edye has a wide circle of friends across the country. Edye wanted a grand and festive celebration where everyone could gather, bring their dogs, and share stories of her life. Please join us for Edye’s birthday event in April 2027 close to Edye’s birthday. I’ll share details of date and venue as soon as I can.

“…my greatest hope is that my life will be lived in such a way that when I’m gone, there will only be joy and laughter to fill my void.”

Edye definitely loved flowers in life, but in lieu of flowers and if friends desire, donations can be made in her memory to the organizations that she was involved with:

https://austinpugrescue.com/ (or any dog rescue)

https://www.lifelonglearningwithfriends.org/

https://www.southaustinacademyofvocalarts.com/

or a charity of your own choice.