Kathryn Melton Parton, age 93, entered into Heaven peacefully on August 10, 2017 at Hospice House following a brief illness. Growing up in Spindale, she is the daughter of James Crawford and Anna Greene Melton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Jimmie Parton, a daughter Melissa Parton Robbins Thompson and a sister Hannah Coffey Baynard.

Kathryn graduated from R-S Central High School Class of 1941. She kept in touch with classmates and organized many class reunions. She attended Business College in Charlotte and worked as a secretary for Blackman's Finance Company in Rutherfordton. During this time, she dated Jim who happened to work across the street at a gas station.

Kathryn grew up in Spencer Baptist Church where she was baptized. She loved her church and was very active teaching the 7 year olds Sunday School for 27 years. She enjoyed music and was an adult choir member, Children's Choir Sponser, member of the Kitchen Band and traveled with the Senior Citizens. Kathryn enjoyed life and serving her Lord in every aspect. She was known for her warm, vivacious, and giving personality, always laughing and smiling. She was a friend to many. Other activities included organizing the Spindale Youth Cheerleaders. Kathryn also worked at The Gingerbread House Daycare. Loving children, she later kept preschoolers at home. Her hobbies included music, poetry, ceramics, her pets, helping others, & singing in nursing homes sometimes dressing as a clown to entertain.

In addition to being a loving and devoted wife, she was a wonderful mother. Often putting her family before herself, she sacrificed much for their wellbeing. Jim was her partner and the love of her life. In later years, she enjoyed traveling with him and her precious sister, Hannah and her husband. Through many difficult times, she relied on strength from God to carry her through.

She is survived by her daughters Anna Parton and Marsha Lane; grandchildren Eric and Kathy Cole, Sarah and Laura Robbins and Calton Thompson, IV; great grandchild Ashley Cole; special friends Rev. Bob and Kay Hollifield; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spencer Baptist Church, 187 North Oak Street, Spindale, NC 28160. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Monday, August 14, 2017 at Spencer Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Caldwell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 - 2 PM Monday in the Family Life Center. A private burial will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family of Kathryn Melton Parton.