My entire life has been surrounded by the most amazing love of a truly incredible woman. My Mother, Lavada Joyce Melton. She and my Dad have done more for me in my life than anyone could ever imagine. I always say, she’s known me 9 months longer than I’ve known myself! Which is true!

She’s seen me grow up, make mistakes, have incredible accomplishments, help others, and seen me a lot on television. She is my cheerleader, which she’s fantastic at, since she was once head cheerleader in her High School! She could sew dresses and costumes for me, attend competitions with me, and always had the best advice and life lessons, and she never judged me.

And, She is always there to dry my tears and give me words of encouragement or advice.

Right now, is the first time in my entire life, that she can’t dry my tears.

My Mother passed away peacefully in her sleep here at home, yesterday, Friday, October 16th.
For years, she has bravely battled with health complications. One after the other, she has fought it or found a balance she could live with. This last one, the longest, is one she could not beat.

In the end, there were things you couldn’t always understand, and times you my not know what was going on Mom, but you could still, eventually come back, and remember me.

It has been my extreme honor to be loved by you, to love you, to know you, to care for you these last 8 years, and to live amongst your wisdom.

I am forever honored and forever grateful that I have been blessed with you as my Mother. One Day I will see you and Dad again.

Until then, please tell Daddy Hi for me! And I know you two are dancing to all the greatest James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass and other 60’s and 70’s Hits that you both loved so much! All my Love to You Both.