Sharon Melson, funeral home owner
Sharon Hill Melson died July 18, 2018, at her home in Frankford while surrounded by her family. She was born in Lewes, daughter of the late Henry Hill and Marian (Wilson) Hill.
She married A. Douglas Melson, her high school sweetheart, in 1963. Together, they purchased Watson and Gray Funeral Homes (Frankford and Millsboro) in 1965 and operated Melson Funeral Services (with added locations in Ocean View and Long Neck) until her retirement. Sharon was committed to caring for others, particularly as they experienced the difficult challenges associated with the death of a loved one.
Sharon passed after a valiant fight against progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). She is survived by Doug, her husband of 55 years; her son, Vollie (Maggie); her daughter, Jennifer Athey (Hud); her brother, Dr. William Theodore Hill (Caroline); and her granddaughter, Page Athey. She was predeceased by her sister, Carol Hill Bader.
Gifted with a wide range of skills and abilities, Sharon successfully balanced the needs of raising a family, operating a business, and managing a home. She was a graduate of Lewes High School and Southern Seminary Junior College in Buena Vista, Va. She enjoyed spending time with her family, dates with her husband, cooking, caring for animals, skiing, and playing basketball.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, July 27, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, where friends may call after 9 a.m. A visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 26, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Interment will be in the cemetery of Prince George’s Chapel in Dagsboro.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to caregivers during her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the R.W. Sweat Research Foundation Inc., 3288 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
