Jimmie Henderson Melton

Jimmie Henderson Melton, born June 20, 1935, in Huntersville, NC, to James and Ona Henderson, peacefully completed her earthly journey on February 23, 2025, at home in Salisbury, NC. She was married just shy of 73 years to Francis Clyde Melton, who she met at Second Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis, NC, when they were cast as Joseph and Mary in the annual Christmas pageant. In addition to her husband, she is survived by Aaron Melton of Kannapolis, Micah and Eric Ennis of the home, and Krista Ennis of Lexington, NC.  

Grandchildren by birth, love, and marriage include Bryan and Tanya Childers, Hannah Gray and Gail Allen, Samuel and Jeana Gray, Levi and Shekinah Gray, Allie and James Lowry, Averie Ennis and Jace Wilson, Riley and Lucas Ward, and Makayla Ennis.  

There are 15 great grandchildren (with one on the way!). There are countless who affectionately called her “Mama Jimmie,” friend, mentor, pastor, teacher, counselor, and friend. Most of us couldn't keep up, but when we did, to hear her laugh and sing, to see her smile and dance, was well worth the effort.

 Mama Jimmie loved God and worked at living the Gospel of loving her neighbor in every corner of her life. She was a lover of education, nature, music, crochet, painting, and art projects the rest of us ponder but never do. She studied theology with an open heart and critical mind. She loved learning new things and thought of herself as a lifelong professional student. She served Dr. Freeman Slaughter as a dental assistant in Kannapolis. Later, she created the dental assisting program and taught at what was then the Rowan Technical College. After earning an undergraduate degree at UNC-Charlotte, she earned a Master's Degree in Counseling in 1992, interning at Hospice of Cabarrus. She retired from RCCC as the Dean of Health and Human Services. At the age of 70, she studied to become a certified lay pastor for the Presbyterian Church USA and served as a pastor for Cornerstone Presbyterian in Concord, NC, before retiring for a final time.

 Mama Jimmie lived with passion, curiosity, and an infectious sense of humor. She found joy in the arts—whether through singing, dancing, painting, or gardening—and embraced life’s beauty in every moment. She was a lover of nature, drawn to the delicate flutter of hummingbirds, the majesty of the mountains, and plants of all kinds. Her home was a haven of love, creativity, and open arms, always welcoming friends and family with warmth and kindness. Mama Jimmie’s deep spirituality and compassionate heart guided her through life’s joys and sorrows. She believed in angels, not realizing how often she served as one to those who needed her most. She had a special love for babies and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless light to her life. In her later years, as her memory began to fade, her spirit remained as vibrant as ever! She continued to share wisdom, laughter, and song with those closest to her. She leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories, a reminder to embrace life fully, love deeply, and find joy in the simple moments. While we deeply mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing her spirit lives on—in the rustling leaves, the whisper of the wind, the flutter of a hummingbird’s wings, and the echoes of laughter shared in love.

 A memorial sevice will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Bethpage Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis, NC. The family invites guests to join them in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service for a time of celebration and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donations to Bethpage Presbyterian Church in the missions they serve.

 Thank you, Mama Jimmie, for your love, your light, and your unwavering wisdom. You will forever be in our hearts.