Tributes

Mary Leota Melton age 83, passed away at her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, surrounded by family on Monday May 11, 2026 . Without a doubt, Mary was a big personality who lived a big adventurous life. Like many who were born and raised in the artistic Cabbage Town Community of Atlanta, Georgia, Mary was extremely gifted. She was a remarkable seamstress and fashion designer who could create a beautiful wedding dress without a using a pattern, make a glorious patchwork quilt to warm the heart, or crochet an afghan for a newborn baby. Mary was a fantastic soul food chef who could make a banquet of pinto beans, fried chicken, country fried steak, chicken and rice, creamed potatoes, and collard greens, complete with buttermilk gravy, homemade biscuits, savory cast-iron cornbread, and finished with a vast array of cobblers, cakes, and pies. Mary was also a compelling writer and an accomplished public speaker. She never met a stranger and was full of compassion— always seeking someone to help and care for, even if it meant moving them into her home. As a spiritual leader and mentor, she touched the lives of so many people. She spent several years as a missionary with YWAM and travelled all over the world. She risked her life taking bibles into China. She shared the love of Christ in Russia, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, India and Peru. She was a fervent prayer warrior, often bringing encouragement to those who had lost all hope. Mary was also trained as a nurse at the age of 41, and served in oncology and dialysis for several years, even into her later years. Mary Melton was an exceptional person. The love that she extended to others was infectious and her dedication was exceptional! In a world that is often cast in shadow, Mary was a brilliant light. She will be greatly missed. Mary was preceded in death by her mother her Annie Ruth Camp, her father Harry Hill “Bud” Camp, her brother Victor Camp and sister Connie Camp Richardson. Mary is survived by a brother, Harry Hill Camp II and wife Helen Camp of Cartersville, GA; a sister, Pat Camp Lewis and husband Dwight Lewis of Covington, GA. her son Timothy and his wife Martha Jo of Surfside Beach SC, daughters Tammy Lynn Cook and Samantha Kaye Fitch of Mansfield Georgia, grandchildren; Brandon, Coady, Callie, Camp, Zachary and Abby, great-grandchildren; Timmy, Dakotah, Atlas, Bowen, Emma Jo and Max. To all of her friends and family…please pray that Mary will rest peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A Memorial Service will be held on: June 6th at 3pm at Prospect United Methodist Church, 84 Barnes Mountain Road, Mansfield, GA 30055 Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is handling initial arrangements for the family. Please order flowers from: A Bouquet by Betty, Covington GA 770 787-3111