Eunice Marie Jones was born on October 18, 1933, in the Houston County area in Texas to George Wesley Jones and his wife, Agnes. In 1933, rural East Texas was struggling in the midst of the Great Depression. The Appalachaians are famous as a story of hard-working, proud people struggling just to survive. In that regard, East Texas was Appalachian's twin. Hard times can make people hard; but that hardiness is what enabled an entire generation to survive, and in some cases, thrive. Eunice might have been born to a dirt yard swept daily with a bristle broom; however, from an early age, she developed a fierce independence and drive to succeed. Eunice knew education was her way out of poverty. She worked hard, both in school and out, and after graduation, was able to attend a nearby Business College.

After graduation from college, she and other young graduate ladies were on a train traveling to Washington DC, where she would be employed by the United States payroll department. As fate would have it, a young airman by the name of John Arthur Melzer was also traveling in that same train car with a group of other Air Force airmen on leave. What began as friendship turned into love - and that chance meeting on a train opened the doors to a marriage that lasted 70 years into the future.

Now Eunice Marie Melzer, she then traveled with John as he was sent on different assignments across the country. In 1964, as they were stationed at the Cambria Radar Station in California, they decided to open their hearts and home to a young baby girl who had been born in San Luis Obispo. They adopted the infant, naming her Melanie Kay.

Throughout California, Hawaii and the western states, the little family of three traveled across the country. Adventures abounded; flash floods in New Mexico, traveling by horseback into the Chisos Mountain Range in Texas to overlook Mexico, sliding down the California Sierra snowpacks, beachside luaus on the island of Oahu, and more. After 30 years of Air Force service as Chief Master Sergeant, John retired; and the family ended up back temporarily in East Texas where it all began. Eunice then focused her efforts on supporting her family and various causes she felt was important, such as literacy and conservation. As John's civilian career continued to progress, other moves to different communities and states followed.

Eunice and John were generous supporters of local libraries in every community in which the family lived; and one of my favorite memories of 2023 going to Hickory Flat Library in Canton to find an audio book and other reading material for her use. Upon returning home, we discovered that the audio book and two other books had both Eunice and John's names listed as Patrons on the cover sheets. An excellent example of benefitting personally from paying it forward.

Eunice became the proud grandmother of two grandsons; Jonathon Michael Deeter, in Indianapolis, and Chase William Alexander James, of Canton. She tried to introduce the love of travel, adventure and education to both young boys. Eunice was able to introduce Jonathon to Alaska and the cities of Texas; as well as Scandinavia, Russia and Mexico to Chase. The young girl living in the harsh rural environs of East Texas would live to see both of her grandsons graduate college, which gave her immense satisfaction.

On Thursday, September 3, at 4:09, she passed away, surrounded by those who loved her best in life. As we held her hand and spoke about how wonderful it would be to see John again, she took her last breath as the two began their next great adventure together. We who are left will never forget her sacrifice, support and her loving dedication to us, and we will miss her every day.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude for the Cherokee County Sheriff's RUOK program (especially William and Joanna), which provided daily and weekly check-ins with Eunice. As her world began to close more tightly, those conversations became a much-looked for connection with the world outside her family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and often funny anecdotes which helped her throughout the week.

And finally, we cannot express our deep gratitude to the amazing Golden Rule Hospice family. Each of you, Brooke, Mallory, Harley, Stephanie and Heather, brought so much loving support to not only my mother, but care to our family. You brought love, professionalism, care, compassion, and yes, joy, to all of us during your time with us. Thank you, each of you, for everything you did.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love".

1 Corinthians 13:13

The family will hold private services to honor and remember her life. During this time, they ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they gather to celebrate the cherished memories and enduring love she leaves behind.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Eunice Marie Melzer.