Obituary of melba jean jeter

Melba Jean Jeter 9/29/22 Melba felt blessed to have reached the age of 80 prior to her beautiful reception into eternal peace on September 29, 2022, at her home in Pace, FL. Melba was born in Century, FL on September 15, 1942. Her parents, Charles E. Grissett and Lucy Odom preceded her in death; as did her brother, James Edward Grissett and her husband, Ashley C. Jeter Jr. She recently lost the family cat, Grey Poupon, her “Buddy Boy” of 15 years. Melba completed her education at Pensacola Tech where she earned various business certificates. Melba lived and worked in the Pensacola, FL area most of her life. She left the area in 1977 to marry Ashley, at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, in Palatka, FL. They began their lives together there as Cottage Parents to some wonderful boys. With Melba’s loving nature and nurturing spirit, along with Ashley being the coach and choir director, they created the ideal environment for raising honorable young men. Many of the boys referred to Melba as Mama Jeter and they continue to do so to this day. The love was mutual. Melba and Ashley also worked at Arizona Boys Ranch and at their transition home, for several years. They eventually made their way back to Rodeheaver, and in time, Ashley became Executive Director while Melba held several administrative positions; her last title was Director of Development. Melba chose to leave the ranch to become a “stage mom” in 1994, and she then lived vicariously through her daughter, Sara’s, singing career—which had them enjoying their travels to various festivals and other events each year. Melba and Ashley both changed careers and continued to live in the Palatka area until 2008; when they moved to be closer to family and to purchase a home in Pace, FL. Melba became a cashier at the Pace Walmart until she retired in 2009 to take care of her husband, Ashley, after he suffered a stroke. She was with him daily, at a nursing facility, until his passing in 2016. Melba’s fondest childhood memories are of all the times she spent with family on Grissett Hill in Alabama. Her favorite pastimes included sunrise “Heavenly conversations” with her mother while sipping coffee and listening to birdsong. She enjoyed reading, playing online scrabble, gambling—when she could get away with it, dancing, (she used to win jitterbug contests) singing, writing poetry, painting with acrylics, crocheting, watching competitive reality shows— if they involved singing, dancing or cooking, as well as golf tournaments, going to rom-com movies and ordering an XL bucket of popcorn—ensuring it was layered just right with extra salt and butter, she loved going out to eat with friends where she shared her heart and laughter and she spent way too much of her time obsessing over the well-being of her children. Melba is survived by her daughter Jelynn (Danny) Sweeney; daughter Sara “Toddie” Jeter; grandson Jeremiah Hobbs; granddaughter Jodi (Jerry) West and great-grands Devan, Emberly and Addilyn—all of Pace, FL; sisters-in law and friends Sara Pankaskie and family of Quincy, FL; Beth (Larry) Bishop and family of Montevallo, AL; stepson Ashley Fitzgerald of Pinson, AL and Angeline Fitzgerald French of Aiken, SC. She’s also survived by her very best friend of 66 years, Marian Smith of Pensacola, FL; neighbors that became friends, Joe Thomas and family; Kay Sumner and family. Thank you for all the TLC you gave Melba throughout the years. In honor of Melba’s wishes, there will not be any services. She will be cremated and will eventually rest beside the love of her life, Ashley, in Montevallo, AL. ~She is loved~