Mrs. Willie Mae Melton, 84, of Columbia, died Sunday, October 30, 2016. Born in Hartsville, SC, on February 25, 1932, she was the daughter of the late B.B. and Leva Kirkley Hodge. Mrs. Melton was known as "Mee-Maw" by the members of Woodfield Park Baptist Church where she enjoyed worship and fellowship, and where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was known for her hospitality and her generous spirit, and especially for her chicken and dumplings.

Willie Mae is survived by her husband of 48 years, Charles Melton, Jr.; children, Larry E. Hodge (Linda) of Hartsville, Vicki A. Mears (Wayne) of Darlington, and Karen L. Bailey of Columbia; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank Hodge of Florence. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Calvan, Bobby and Bunk Hodge.

The funeral for Mrs. Melton will be held at 11 o'clock, Wednesday, November 2nd, at Woodfield Park Baptist Church, 1834 Morninglo Lane, Columbia, with The Rev. Jeff Phillips and Frances Morales-Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service, beginning at 10 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Ste. L, Anderson, SC 29621.