Verneva Jo Melton

Mrs. Verneva Jo Melton passed away due to natural causes Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the Copperfield Estates Independent Retirement Living in Houston, Texas. “Jo” as she was known to her family and friends was born June 12, 1929 in Garrison, TX to Travis Burgay and Mary Ellison. She was united in marriage to Wendell S. Melton in 1951. They were married for 19 years until his death of a brain hemorrhage in 1970.

She is survived by her children; Paula Marks in Houston, Texas and Patti Latta in Arlington, Texas; grandson Jason Reed of Houston, TX, his wife Danielle Ely Reed, and grand-daughter Megan Salinas in Fort Worth, Texas; son-in-laws Michael Marks in Houston, TX and Scot Latta in Arlington, TX.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Emmett Burgay of Pasadena, TX and grandson Robert Salinas of Watauga, TX.

In 1947 while working for Weingarten Grocery store her co-workers entered her picture and a 25-word essay on “What I look for in a Bobbie Pin” in the Smith-Victory Bobbie Pin Contest. The first place prize was a 2-weeks trip to Hollywood, which she won. She and a friend had the trip of a lifetime, seeing the sights and meeting people involved in the movie business.

Jo will always be remembered for her love of the Houston Astros. Jo’s love for the Houston Astros goes back to the days of the Houston Buffs when in 1949 she agreed to a blind date if they went to the baseball game. The blind date was with Wendell Melton who became her husband for 19 years. Her family and friends are so glad she got to see the Astros win the World Series in 2017!

Jo will also be remembered for her love of gardening and her life on Shadowcrest Street for 55 years where she formed many life-long friendships.

Mrs. Melton was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Houston.

A Graveside/Inurnment Service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at:

Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery

12800 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77077

We will gather in the lobby of the main building then go to the graveside for the service.