JO MELDE

Martha “Jo” Melde of Texarkana, Texas took the heavenly hand of her beloved husband of 61 years, Al, and met her Lord and Savior on February 19, 2023. Jo was born in Clarksville, Texas on August 14, 1926, to Anthony and Irene Wardell. She grew up in Avery, Texas and later moved to Texarkana and graduated from Texas High School. Her profession was that of extraordinary Mom and Mimi. Jo was predeceased by her husband, Al Melde, Sr., her sons Rusty and Ricky Golden, her parents, and three siblings, Wayne, Dorothy, and Tom Bill. She is survived by her daughter Vicki Melde of Texarkana, Texas and Don Morris of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and son Al Melde, Jr. of Conway, Arkansas and fiancé Pam Elliott of Texarkana, Texas, her grandchildren John Melde of Texarkana, Texas, and Anna Melde LeFevre and husband Chance, and great-grandson Tripp Jaggar LeFevre of Hico, Texas, and a special niece Melissa Beltrami of Katy, Texas. She also leaves behind a multitude of adoring friends of all ages. From the young age of 15, Jo exhibited exceptional character and strength by being out on her own and caring for her younger brother Tom Bill. She was married to Billy Golden and had two sons, William Ralph Golden, Jr. (Rusty) and Ricky. Her husband Billy died suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 29 and only months later, Jo lost her younger son Ricky to polio. She also lost son Rusty in 1988. Through these immensely challenging events, her faith remained strong. In 1956, Jo met the love of her life, Al, - the moment their eyes met, both knew they’d found their partner for life. Al wasted no time in asking Jo for her hand – three weeks from their first meeting to be exact. In three months, on January 1, 1957, they were united in marriage. Theirs was truly a marriage for the ages with God at the center. Both Jo and Al believed strongly in serving their community and their many friends. Jo was a charter member of Women for the Arts, Gateway Garden Club, President of the Conifer Council of Girl Scouts, President and a Life Member of PTA (Parent Teacher Association), President of the YWCA Board, and Women for A&M-Texarkana. Jo and Al were members of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church and the Gleaners Sunday School Class. Jo’s personal ministry was in sharing her culinary gifts with anyone in need of ‘comfort food’. Along with her relationship with her Lord and marriage to Al, Jo’s joy came from her children and especially her grandchildren. She was always the first to volunteer for any group or committee that supported their activities. She and Al never missed a soccer game, tennis match, or any chance to support their family. Jo was an adopted Mom and Mimi to so many and touched countless lives with her unconditional love, grace, wisdom, and unwavering faith which she lived daily. Her favorite saying was “always be able to look yourself in the mirror” – in other words, do the right thing – even when no one is looking. Always fashionably dressed, Jo remained ‘one of the girls’ with her younger friends all of her days. She was astute regarding current events and loved her country and the privilege of being an American. The family wishes to thank the incomparable team at Hospice of Texarkana for their skilled and compassionate care during her final earthly days. We have been overwhelmed by the love and prayers of so many dear friends – we are forever grateful for your countless acts of kindness. We rejoice in the knowledge that our Mom and Mimi is experiencing the sweet reunions heaven brings and the privilege of being in the presence of our Lord forever. Jo’s amazing 96 years of life will be celebrated on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to Hospice of Texarkana, Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, Women for A&M-Texarkana, or the charity of your choice. Thanks be to God for the life and love of Jo Melde!