These blessed words were written and spoken right from Shirley's heart.

On Monday afternoon September 3, 2018 is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Shirley Pauline Petty Melton, age 83 of Howe, TX entered into her eternal life Monday afternoon September 3, 2018. She passed at home in her own bed and as she was passing her musical clock that has many different songs just happened to be playing Amazing Grace and she heard every bit of it.

After battling Lymphoma Cancer since 2014 Shirley was called home to be with her Heavenly Father and reunite with her husband James and with all of her other family members and pets that passed before her.

She was born on April 13, 1935 at Wilson N. Jones hospital in Sherman, TX to James Lawrence Petty and Pauline Evans Petty.

Shirley attended Bryant School, Sherman High School and Grayson County College.  She graduated from SHS in 1953 where she participated in the SHS Band, serving two years as Majorette.

Shirley married James Eldridge Melton in Atoka, OK.  They shared 65 years of marriage and raised their 5 children on their farm NW of Howe, TX.  Their life was filled with farming, raising cattle and were active members in 4-H, FFA and the Howe Baptist Church activities with their children.

In the 80's, James became interested in Street Rodding.  That activity took them through most of the states west of the Mississippi.  Always traveling with them were their beloved poodles, Bonnie in the 34 Plymouth, Betsy in the 48 Willys Jeep and then Buffy their Papillon in the 48-5 Window Chevy pickup that was built by their son Rusty.  Buffy was Shirley's pride and joy and she loved her unconditionally.

Shirley had a desire to see the farm land from above.  On July 4, 2017, thanks to J. Finney and his yellow open-airplane she got to see Home from the sky.  She said it was a most exhilarating thing to have experienced.

Shirley is survived by her Son and Daughter-In-Law Rusty and Kathy Melton.  They faithfully played a huge, huge part in her years of fighting Lymphoma Cancer and losing James on June 2, 2016. Also surviving are daughters Joy Melton, Peggy Abernathy, Tamela Shadden and Deborah Landers.  Thirteen grandchildren, an 18 plus great grandchildren.  Nephews Jimmy and wife Christine McMurray, Larry Petty and Brian Petty.

Many thanks to all the Doctors, Dr. Roque, Nurses, Michelle, Valerie, Sandy and Donna and the care givers from Advantx Home Health Care especially Miss Lee and Chanda. Also special thanks to Home Instead Care Givers who helped make her last wishes come true by letting her be at home to pass.  Love to my supportive and dear friends with their calls and cards, Daisie Smithwick, Dorothy Matthews, Louise Finney and Rachel Gregory.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Melton, her parents, James Lawrence and Pauline Evans Petty, sisters, Mona Ann Petty, Jewell McMurray, brother, James Lawrence Petty Jr., Sister In Law Nancy Tuck Petty, Grandson, Melton Ray and mother and father in law Ben and Vera Melton, and her beloved best friend and soul companion Buffy her 12 year old Papillon dog.

Pallbearers will be son Rusty Melton, Daughter In Law Kathy Melton, Daughter: Joy Melton, Grandsons:  Dusty Melton, Randle Abernathy, Parker Owens, Granddaughters: Della Taylor, Llana Abernathy and Bootsie Scribner.

Any love offerings may be made to ARF House at 3377 Spalding Road Sherman, TX 75092, or Sherman Animal Shelter on Ida Road Sherman, TX or your favorite Animal Rescue.

Family and friends visitation time will be held at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, TX at 1:30 pm on Thursday September 6, 2018 with

Funeral Services immediately following at 2:30 pm on Thursday September 6, 2018 at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Harold Finney officiating.  Interment will follow in Akers Cemetery in Sherman, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas.

The online register book may book may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com