Maye Joyce Melton

With heavy hearts but celebrating a life beautifully lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Maye Joyce Carter Melton, age 79, on Tuesday, September 16th, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, while visiting her beloved daughter. Just one month after saying goodbye to her cherished husband, Rutland Melton, Sr. on August 18th, 2025, Maye has now joined him in eternal rest, reunited with their son, Rutland "Lil' Rut" Melton, Jr., who preceded them both in death.

Born in Lynch, Kentucky, to the late Pulaski and Nellie Anthony Carter, Maye brought light and warmth into every room she entered. Her vibrant spirit and zest for life were infectious, touching countless hearts throughout her 79 years on this earth.

Maye was a pillar of faith and service at Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her community. Whether serving as pianist at the church or leading as Head of the kitchen, she poured her love into every act of service. Her hands were always busy caring for others, her heart always open to those in need.
Those who knew Maye understood her beautiful complexity, she possessed a loving, kind, and caring soul, yet could lovingly "set you straight in a minute" when necessary. She spoke her mind with honesty and conviction, always meaning what she said and saying what she meant. This authenticity made her a treasured mother figure to many in her community, dispensing wisdom and advice with the perfect blend of tenderness and truth.
Throughout her years in retail, Maye formed lasting friendships that became extended family. Her genuine care for people transcended workplace relationships, creating bonds that enriched her life and the lives of others for decades.
Even in her deepest sorrow following the loss of her son on Mother's Day, Maye demonstrated extraordinary resilience and faith. Each year, she would lovingly decorate his grave on that bittersweet anniversary, her favorite color yellow brightening the solemn space. When asked how she endured such pain on what should have been a day of celebration, she would share her unwavering belief: "It's hard, but God gives me the strength to endure all things, and through Him, I shall overcome." She lived by those powerful words every single day.
In her final weeks, Maye showed the same selfless love that had defined her entire life. Knowing her earthly journey was nearing its end, she carefully made preparations and arrangements, determined not to burden her beloved daughter Kim and son-in-law Gregory Graves. Even in her grief and declining health, she was thinking of others, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind.
Maye was also preceded in death by her sister, Annie Belle Walters, and brothers, Henry Mitchell, Jr., Nathaniel Mitchell and Warren Carter.
Maye is survived by her devoted daughter, Kim Graves and son-in-law Gregory Graves of Indianapolis, Indiana; her cherished grandson, Kevin Smith, Jr.; her adored great-granddaughter, Aniyah Smith; her loving sister-in-law, Renee Melton; and her bonus son, Corey (Ebony) Goodrich. She is also survived by her bonus brother, Jerry (Yvonne) Edwards, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who became family through the years.
Throughout her remarkable life, Maye fulfilled her earthly mission with extraordinary grace and devotion. She lovingly cared for her husband until his final breath and maintained unwavering faith through every trial life presented. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and service will continue to live on through all those whose lives she touched with her generous spirit and loving heart. She fulfilled her earthly mission with grace and devotion, caring for her husband until his final breath and maintaining her faith through every trial. Now, in the most glorious of reunions, she celebrates in Heaven with Rutland and Lil' Rut a joyous tribute to a life of faithful service, unconditional love, and unwavering strength.
Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort knowing that Maye's legacy lives on in every life she touched, every soul she comforted, and every person she loved with her whole heart. She was truly a good and faithful servant, and her light will continue to shine in all who were blessed to know her.
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 10 A.M. with Funeral Services following at 12 noon at the Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Lynch, Kentucky with Rev. Ronnie Hampton officiating.
Burial will follow in the Monte Vista Cemetery.
Arrangements are Entrusted to Johnson and Cumberland Valley Funeral Home