Martha Jo (Marty) Sullivant Melton

Martha “Marty” Jo Sullivant Melton went home to the Lord after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Born on September 28, 1947, in Danville, Arkansas, Marty was the beloved daughter of the late Horace and Anna Jo Sullivant. Marty grew up in Danville and Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Hall High School in 1965. She attended William Woods University and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where she met a star athlete, Darryl Melton, who would become the love of her life. It was Marty’s beautiful and distinctive red hair that made Darryl first notice her from across the cafeteria. Marty and Darryl later married and built a beautiful life together raising a family in a town that they loved.

Marty and Darryl moved to Selmer, Tennessee, in 1968. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher, joined the Selmer United Methodist Church, was a member of the Junior Civic League, volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, and Meals on Wheels. After raising her three children, she found purpose as a social worker in home health care. In later years, she volunteered at Selmer Elementary School and Selmer United Methodist Church. She would often say, “I like helping people of any age.”

Marty embodied the ultimate homemaker and southern lady, always keeping her home spotless, welcoming, and perfectly prepared for friends and guests. Marty was always thoughtfully coordinated with her coiffed hair, coral nail polish, and matching bright lipstick. She loved watching her sons’ baseball and football games, as well as her daughter’s ballet recitals and cheerleading routines. Marty adored western movies, all kinds of music, and eating dessert first. She especially treasured time spent traveling, lunching, and laughing with her best friends.

Marty’s deep commitment to family, church, community, and faith was the cornerstone of her life. Marty refused to let the devastating physical injuries as a result of a car accident affect her courageous determination to enjoy life to its fullest. Marty's sweet spirit and commitment to living a joy-filled life were an inspiration to her family, her friends, and all who knew her. Marty often asked Darryl, “Where are we?” to which he would always reply, “We are home.” It brings much comfort to all who loved her that Marty is now fully healed and truly home.

Marty is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Darryl, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories. She will be missed every single day by her three children: Alison Barton (Jim) of Memphis, TN; Josh Melton (Mary) of Jonesboro, TN; and Jake Melton of Camden, SC. Marty was affectionately known as “Marmie” to her seven grandchildren — Annsley, James, and Ali Barton, Tyler and Bryce Melton, and Eleanor and Andrew Melton — and two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Hudson Melton.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers in Selmer and Memphis who have cared for and enriched Marty’s life with love and support during the last 25 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Carl Perkins Center in McNairy County https://www.carlperkinscenter.org/you-can-help/donate/donate-now