The Celebration of Life

Oler "Gloria" Melton, was born in Mansfield, La. She was the third of seven children born to the parents of Thomas J and Lena B Durant. She accepted Christ at an early age at Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Gloria graduated from Desoto Parrish High School in 1956 where she played the trumpet and excelled in art.

A few years after her graduation, Gloria moved to Dallas, Texas and resided with her sister, Myrtis Durant Sims. One of her first jobs in Dallas was with Willard's Hat Company as an elevator operator, and at a local restaurant as a salad maker. She was a homemaker for several years until she became employed with Larch Fabrics of Dallas, Texas. Her final employment before retiring was with Methodist Medical Center on Colorado Blvd as a unit secretary.

She united in holy matrimony on June 26, 1959 to Dornell Melton, Sr. To this union two sons were born, Dornell Melton, Jr. and Anthony G. Melton.

Gloria united with the Concord Church in 1979 where she attended Sunday School regularly. Under the leadership of Robbie T. Byrd, Women's Ministry Director, Gloria became the leader of Gifts of the Spirit .She later became involved with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) in which she became a discussion leader. She served in BSF for 12 years. Gloria was also one of the pioneers in the start-up of the Tuesday morning bible study. Mrs. Melton was an active member of Concord Church up to February 4, 2018 when her health began to decline.

Gloria's hobbies were making floral arrangements, pottery, word puzzles and listening to gospel music.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Dornell Melton, Sr. and her son, Dornell Melton, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Anthony G. Melton, her sisters, Myrtis Sims, Dorett (Albert) Williams, Glenda (Larry) Heard, and two brothers, Dr. Thomas J. (Annie) Durant, and Willie Curtis Durant and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves two god daughters, Gail (Curtis) Liggins and Rhonda (William) Danage.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Mrs. Oler Melton, please visit our floral shop.