Donell Melton

Reflections of Life for Donell “Speedy” Melton
Donell Melton was born on August 31, 1953, in Shelby, MS, to the late L.C. Melton and Eathel
Melton. Donell accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in
Winstonville, MS. He later moved his membership to Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church in
Shelby, MS.
Donell received his formal education at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Mound
Bayou, MS. He was a proud graduating member of the Mighty Class of 1974. He was given the
nickname “Speedy” because he was a fast runner in baseball and he talked extremely fast.
In 1973, Donell married Irene Coleman, his high school sweetheart in Mound Bayou, MS . To
that union four children were born – Tiffany, Gary, Breshetta and Trina.
Donell was hard-working man and worked to support his family. Throughout his lifetime, he
worked at Diecast in Shelby, MS, Bolivar County Head Start, Bolivar Medical Center, and Goldstrike
Casino.
One of Donell’s favorite pastimes was playing baseball. He played in high school and as an
adult. He joined the Shelby Sluggers where he played for many years. He loved baseball so
much that when he could no longer play, he became an umpire. He adored seeing his kids,
grandkids, nieces and nephews playing the sport so much that he often found himself in the
stands cheering them on at all of their games. Family was an important part of his life. He
enjoyed attending family celebrations and was a supportive father, brother, uncle and a role
model to all he encountered.
In March 2004, Donell married Gale Slate of Mound Bayou, MS. The two were married for 14
years.
Donell received his eternal rest on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He is preceded in death by his
parents, L.C. Melton and Eathel Melton; 2 siblings - Lamar Johnson and Ida Melton Walker; and
a son-in-law, Elmore Sellers.
Donell leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Gary (Kashanna) Melton of Memphis, TN;
Tiffany (Gariett) Griffin of Madison, MS; Breshetta Melton-Sellers of Mound Bayou, MS; and
Trina (B’Share) Howard of Mesquite, TX. His grandchildren, Samodrian, My’Keir, Myia, Kashea,
Mikala, TJ, Arian, R’Montaye, Mikale, Jayden, Taylor and Ladarious. His great-grandchildren,
Dawson, Daxton, Maddyson, A’Laina, A’Riah, A’Zoure, Avi, Kylee, Kamron and DeNiayh. His
siblings, Freda Brown, Julia Spears, Dorothy Spears (Bellwood, IL) Derotha Melton (Mesquite,
TX), Roy (Doris) Melton (Southaven, MS), Ella(Marion) Bryant, Red Oak, TX, Vercy Jones
(Bellwood, IL) and Paulette Melton (Wheaton, IL), brother in-law, Ward Walker (Oklahoma City,
OK), sister in-law, Dessie Johnson (Westchester, IL), a special friend and companion, Carolyn
Dotson. Three nieces that he raised as his own, Rochell, Marie and Tresare, and host of nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends. All will cherish every memory they have of Donell. He will live on
forever in their hearts of everyone that loved him.