Thursday, April 12, 2018 7:29 am

Jean Maxey Melton, age 87, of Forest City, passed away Monday, April 2, 2018.

Born December 14, 1930 in Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Stacy Edwin Maxey and Grace Robbins Maxey. She was a graduate of Cools Springs High School, class of 1949 and was the co-owner and operator of Melton's Nissan of Rutherfordton for twenty-eight years. She was also a former member of West Memorial Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. Jean was an independently spirited woman who enjoyed traveling internationally and going on adventures around the US. Her greatest joy and love was spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn Newton Wilson; two husbands, Howard "Bud" Newton and James "Bud" Melton and step-son, Scott Melton. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Pam Newton (Donald McDaniel) of Forest City; four granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was conducted at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. Rev Terry Honeycutt officiated.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice for their compassionate and loving care of Jean during her illness. Memorial donations are respectfully requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.