Ruth Starling Melvin

ROCKY MOUNT - Ruth Starling Melvin, age 100, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Born in Cumberland County, NC on October 15, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Gaston and Fannie Starling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Melvin; daughters, Hilda Melvin and Annette Viverette; sons-in-law, Charles Langley and Ronnie Viverette; grandchildren, Brent Langley, Christopher Langley, and Natasha Viverette; brothers, Jessie, David, Archie, Charles, Bailey and Jimmy Starling. Ruth was a woman of deep faith and love for the Lord, and she lived her life in accordance to His Holy word. She was a faithful member of Union Missionary Baptist Church until her failing health prevented her from attending. She enjoyed growing and arranging flowers for the church sanctuary. She worked in the floral industry for many years, find her "home" at Jean's Florist. She will be remembered for her green thumb, love of nature, and sense of humor. She made many friends through the beauty of her yard the flowers that she grew. She was the first person to raise pansies in this area and later was affectionately called the "Pansy Lady". Nothing please her more than to share plants and vegetables from her garden and to teach others how to grow flowers, shrubs, and vegetables or to teach little children about plants or animals. She normally had a funny story to share of days gone by. Ruth touched the lives of many people and will always be remembered with love, affection, and a little chuckle. Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter, Bonnie Langley of Rocky Mount. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Ross Langley, Bridgette King, Belinda Boswell, Barbara Hardy, Brenda McKenny, Beverly Boswell, and Kyle Viverette; 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Claire Alberts, Alice Plummer, and Gerry Kistler, and many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Marvin Stallings officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to one's charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 1/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Service Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Sunday 1/14, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Sunday 1/14, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm