Donna Jean Melson

Donna Jean Melson, age 80, of Anderson, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 20, 2019. She was born on August 16, 1938 to the late Vern and Betty (Geist) Rivers.

If Donna could be described in brief words, it would be that she was an avid animal lover. She had a soft spot when it came to animals and always welcomed them into her home. Her children cannot recall a time where they didn’t have at least one animal in their home. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She liked to travel to the Smokey Mountains and listen to the streams. Donna would participate in bowling tournaments and loved to watch movies whenever she could. She was very strong in her faith and came to know Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Donna is survived by her three children Karen Gray (Jeff), Linda Friend (Dave), and Jack Melson Jr. (Lisa); Grandchildren Ryan Eldridge (Michelle), Lia Friend. Katrina Caldwell (Tony), Lacy Caldwell, DJ Friend. And Candace Mench; Great-Grandchildren Thomas Hart, Kaesynn Hart, Madalynn Gosnell, Kaydence McDonald, and Krislyn McDonald; sibling Tina Rivers; cousins Pam Riffle and Dean Riffle; Aunt Virginia Gossage; and good friends Joy Olive, Shirley Bricker, and Vicki Parker.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Melson Sr., daughter Jeri Lynn Caldwell, and her parents.

Services were handled by Legacy Cremation and Funeral Service – Anderson.