Dates
Nancy Avonne Perry Melton, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Nancy was born on February 21, 1937, to Dewey Cole and Marguerite (Legate) Perry in McCamey, Texas; and was the youngest of eight children. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Phyllis Collins, Genevieve Anderson, Shirley Farrington, and Betty Graves; and her brothers Rex Perry, Clyde Perry, and Jack Perry.
Nancy met the love of her life, John Lavoy Melton, at a football game in McCamey, Texas, where they shared a football program — a simple moment that began a lifetime of love. They were married in 1958 and shared 67 wonderful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and friendship.
She is survived by her devoted husband, John Lavoy Melton; daughters Lavonne Evers and husband Steve, and Jonna Gaddy and husband Ryan; and her son, Scott Melton and wife Lisa. She was a proud and loving Nanny to her grandchildren Chandra Brown and husband Jason, Janay Gaddy, Coby Evers, Macy Melton and fiancé Oscar Castaneda, and Mallory Melton. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Dylan Brown and wife Harmony, Delaney Brown, Knox Strieter, and Blaze Gaddy. She was also a beloved aunt to many special nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.
Nancy dedicated over 30 years of service with San Angelo Independent School District, including Bowie Elementary, Lee Junior High, and the SAISD administration office. However, her greatest passion was her family. She delighted in loving, spoiling, and sending fun emoji-filled text messages to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Christmas was Nancy’s favorite time of year. She loved being at the center of her family, enjoying every tradition and every moment together. She carefully chose just the right gifts — and was famous for her Christmas “trash,” the special snack mix everyone looked forward to each year. She would always rally the troops for a memorable family picture to finish up the night. The joy on her family’s faces was her greatest gift.
Nancy and John shared a love of travel and spent many happy years together exploring the country in their RV and visiting other countries, including Canada and Israel. They either went with friends or made instant friends wherever they went. Nancy never met a stranger. She was approachable, warm, and a true giver.
Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. She shared her gifts of prayer, hospitality to many. If something important was missing, the family would say, “Call Nanny to pray — she knows the One upstairs the best;” and lo and behold, they would always find it.
Nancy was a devoted member of Glen Meadows Baptist Church for over 30 years. She dearly loved her Sunday School class and treasured the special friendships she formed there. As a Care Group leader, she faithfully called and checked on the women and couples in her group each day. Many lovingly referred to her as their guardian angel.
Nancy was also known for her beautiful, radiant smile and soft heart. She was famous for her banana pudding and banana bread and loved sharing them with friends and family. Her home and heart were always open.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Harper Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10 AM at Glen Meadows Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at Lawnhaven Cemetery. Nancy's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
The family thanks God for her and the many ways God blesses us all through her. The family invites you to bless others by sharing a gift in memory of Nancy to Glen Meadows Baptist Church Legacy Fund or WTRC’s Hospice of San Angelo.
Nancy’s life was marked by love, generosity, faith, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a family deeply rooted in the love she so freely gave.