Gladys Beamer Melton, 96 of Hillsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Waddell Nursing Home. Mrs. Melton was born in Carroll County to the late Peter Lewis and Mary Jane Stockner Beamer. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband Ernest Arnold Melton; sisters Inez Edwards, Ocie Rector, Rausy Bunn and Nannie Weddle; and brothers Bob Beamer, Rufus Beamer, Emmitt Beamer, and Dale Beamer. Survivors include several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gladys was a forty-year member of the Hillsville Chapter No. 71, Order of the Eastern Star and considered her membership in the Eastern Star as one of her personal loves. She was a very dedicated member and served as an officer of the local Eastern Star Chapter almost every year after her initiation in 1969. Gladys also served on many committees of the State Organization, known as the Grand Chapter of Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star. One of her highlights came in 1979 when she was appointed by Nancy N. Crismond, Worthy Grand Matron, to serve as Grand Martha of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star. During her year in office, she attended, with her husband Ernest, almost every Official Visit throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Hillsville with Rev. Ty Harrison officiating. Mrs. Melton will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The Hillsville Chapter No. 71, Order of the Eastern Star will conduct Eastern Star Services following the funeral service. Burial will follow in the Monta Vista Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Eastern Star c/o Ollie Newman 6195 Coulson Church Road, Austinville, VA 24312 or the First United Methodist Church Organ Fund P.O. Box 356 Hillsville, VA 24343.