Joann Cuevas (Malley) Melton

Joann Cuevas (Malley) Melton, 76 of the Dedeaux community, departed this life Friday, March 3rd at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. She was born December 12, 1946 in the old Kings Daughter's Hospital in Gulfport, the fourth of nine children to Joseph Arstill and Elsie Alice (Necaise) Cuevas. She grew up in the Catahoula community in rural South Mississippi, and was every bit a country girl. Her family lived on a small farm as most did, raising animals, gardening, and doing what had to be done to live. Joann tended to animals, rode horses, as well as helping in the house and garden, learning many valuable life lessons along the way. Joann attended Hancock North Central schools before going to work and starting her career. Over the years, she has worked in several places, including TG&Y stores, garment factories, the ammo plant, and even nursing homes. There really wasn't much Joann couldn't do. She enjoyed sewing, making clothes for her daughter through the years, and lot of other works for friends and family who needed something done. Joann is fondly remembered as a loving sister and mother, though she could be just a little 'determined', or 'set in her ways' as they say. She was definitely the type who held no punches whatsoever, but she was always there whenever she was needed. Now granted, she was what some would call strict, but it was a labor of love to keep her kids, grandkids, and those she loved, pointed in the right direction. To relax, Joann loved to sew and cook, with her red beans and gumbo among the dishes her family will miss the most. If she had some free time, you could usually find her with her iPad in her hands, watching or listening to the news, or staying in touch with her friends to make sure she was up to date. Plus, she loved to dance as well, cutting loose with a jitterbug now and then to boot. Joann was just an awesome little firecracker of a lady, which earned her the nickname "Little Bannie" for her fiestiness. Even her son-in-law had nothing but good things to say about her. Joann was really something, and will be sadly missed by all whose life she has touched through the years. She was preceded by her parents, Joseph and Elsie Cuevas; infant twin siblings Alice and Arstill, her sister Lynett Cuevas, her first husband, Garland Malley; her brother-in-law Butch Necaise; and her greatgrandson, Kolston Malone. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband of almost 30 years, Keith Melton, and her only daughter, Mishelle (Michael) Malone, both of Gulfport; her sisters Betty Joyce Necaise of Dedeaux, Jackie (Ernie) Melton of Catahoula, and Debbie (Roger) Malley of Pass Christian, with brothers Donnie Cuevas, also of Dedeaux and Reggie (Velvie) Cuevas of the Standard Community. Joann leaves a legacy of four grandchildren: Lindsey (Jeremy) Johnson, Michael Malone, III (Kristiana Peterson), Brittany Malone (Andy Ngyuen), and Andrea Malone, with twelve great-grands: Autumn, Hunter, Kaesen, Kyla, Kyston, Kanton, Acetyn, Kaislynn, Andy, Ayden, Hadaley, and Axstyn, along with numerous extended family, friends, and co-workers through the years. Services are set for Wednesday, March 8th at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a chapel service at noon, with Bro. Brian Atwood officiating. Afterward, Joann will be laid to rest in the Standard-Sandhill Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Melton family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in our thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.