June 17, 1977-April 20, 2026 Melody Yvonne Jones was born on June 17, 1977 in Goldthwaite, to Pamela Jo Gilstrap and Morris Lyndon Jones. She went to school in Hamilton before finishing and graduating from Jonesboro, where she met the father of her four children. While raising her children in Hamilton, she graduated from nursing school. She eventually migrated to the Cranfills Gap and Fairy area where she spent a lot of her time in Fairy on “the farm” or in gap at the home she bought, “The Gap House.” She was a dedicated mother and even became “Momma Mel” to many Gap kids. After her children graduated, she found herself taking a break from her nursing career, running heavy equipment in Comanche. She eventually made her way back to her career as a nurse. The last of her days were spent caring for chickens and sheep, and her garden on a quiet place outside of Comanche. She was a dedicated nurse, a fun, loving, straight-to-the-point woman who loved nature and the outdoors. She will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her son, Colten Wesley Shane Smith; her maternal grandmother, Lela May Hanks; her paternal grandmother, Melba Lorraine Walters; her best friend, Tracy May Finstad; and her beloved dog, Callie.
She is survived by her children, Meli Jo Cheyenne Smith, Keaton William Brett Smith and Heidi Michelle Smith; her Grandchildren, Kolden Barker, Mallory Barker, Berklee Smith, Oaklee Smith, Kolt Smith, Weslee Smith, Swaye Smith and Kash Kelley; her sister, Wendy Anne Jones; and niece and nephew, Ethan Jones and Lavanna Pierce; her parents, Robert and Pamela Sloane; and father, Morris Jones.
A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 3 at the Cranfills Gap Community Center in Cranfills Gap.
