Tommie Jean "Bootsie" Beck Melton

Tommie Jean Beck Melton, "Bootsie," died on December 1, 2015 after a brief illness. She was the youngest of six daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Kimsey Cornelius Beck in Orange County, North Carolina. She leaves behind a son, Buckner F. Melton, Jr. (Carol); daughter, Leigh Melton Singleton, (Charles "Bubba"), grandson, Grady Singleton, and a host of beloved friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Buckner F. Melton. She graduated from Chapel Hill (N.C.) High School and attended both UNC Chapel Hill and Brevard College. She was a valued employee of Macon's First National Bank where she exhibited impressive banking skills. She briefly juggled two careers, serving as the first female television personality in Macon in 1952-53 as a host of a game show on WETV; however, banking duties soon required her full attention. Towards the end of her television "career" a Macon attorney, Buck Melton, saw his "dream girl" on the tube. "Even with the imperfect black and white television, she was luminous," he wrote. They were married in 1954. Soon afterwards, Tommie traded a promising banking career for the title of housewife and mother. She continued to work with local charities. She volunteered with the food program at St. Paul's Apartments for 10-15 years and was a past president of the Town and Country Garden Club. She participated actively in the Civic Club and was a powerful but sometimes reluctant supporter of her husband's political campaigns. Her loves in life were Buck Melton, her children, grandchild, bridge, and reading. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday December 5, 2015 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with burial following at Rose Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends, Friday, December 4, 2015 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.