Life Reflection

On Friday, April 25, 2025, Deacon Ivory Ralph Melton, Sr. departed this life to take his eternal rest.  Ivory was born to the late Alex and Missouri R. Melton on August 7, 1936.

He was educated along with his siblings in the local Brickyard school.  At an early age Ivory accepted Christ.  Ivory met and married his wife of forty years Gertie Melton, to this union one son, "Pete" was born.  He retired from the Duval County School Board after many years of dedicated employment.  Deacon Melton faithfully served as a deacon at the Greater Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, the last eleven he served under the leadership of his pastor and friend Pastor Reginald R. Edwards, Sr. His welcoming smile and bubbly personality made him well known and loved in the Callahan community.  One of his favorite hangouts was the Pig at the local shopping center, he also liked to visit the bank and the post office.  Ivory will be missed deeply by all that knew him, but his memory will forever in the hearts of those he touched.  As we gather to remember him, let us reflect on the moments we shared with him and the joy he brought into our lives.

Ivory was preceded in death by his devoted wife of forty-two years, Gertie Melton; grandson, Deroyal Ivory Watson; siblings, Charity, Joseph, Allen, Alonzo, Susie, Clarence, Ernest, Alexander, Clinton, Missouri, Verna Mae, and Juanita.

Ivory will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his son, Ivory Ralph Melton, Jr. (Marcelline Theodore); grandchildren, Ivory Ralph Mazur, Renee Blas, and Michelle Barnes; nine great grandchildren; godchildren, Joanne Kelly, Gail Woods-Terry, and Dante Kelly; special relative, Freddie Lee Melton; special friends, Cathy Sirmans and Mike Gibbons; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Graveside Service for Ivory will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Brickyard Cemetery. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.