Melonye Curtis

Melonye Curtis died in the early hours of Feb. 22, 2007.

She was born Nov. 14, 1936, in Fort Worth to J.D. and Mildred Lowe. She grew up in Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville schools. She entered the University of Texas at age 17 and graduated with a BA Degree in education. Later, while teaching and raising her family, she received her Master’s Degree in education of early childhood from Texas Women’s University.

Following her graduation from The University of Texas, she married Terry A. “Booty” Curtis and moved to Amarillo. Melonye’s career course was directed by her love for young children. Her teaching career began in Austin and she later taught in Amarillo. She was instrumental at Amarillo’s opportunity school by helping in every way from teaching to driving the school bus.

In 1979 she started her career at Amarillo College in the early child development program. She retired as full professor from AC after 26 years. She developed many innovative new programs and methods which are still in use today at Amarillo College and other early childhood programs around the state. She was named Professor Emeritus at Amarillo College in 2006, a proud accomplishment for Melonye and her family.

Although her calling was for young children, her greatest passion was her family her hundreds of friends and her beloved dogs, Luke and Gracie. Melonye and Terry were married for 49 years and have one daughter and one son. She was blessed two grandchildren who adored their Mammy.

Melonye had many interests and affiliations. Modesty limits the inclusions of all accomplishments and accolades that she received throughout her lifetime. Melonye was always an advocate for the underdog and underprivileged and spent countless hours as a volunteer for many organizations that needed her enthusiasm and expertise. The impact she had on so many lives over the years was as far-reaching as the sky, and now Melonye sits on a rainbow.

Survivors include her husband, Terry A. Curtis, daughter, Caytie Martin, son-in-law, Barry Martin, son, Tom Curtis and grandchildren, Chad and Channing Martin.
 

A memorial service for Melonye, 70, will be Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Marty Loberg, Dr. Terry Hargrave and Dr. Paul Matney officiating, under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home in Amarillo. Private burial will follow at Llano Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Melonye Curtis Childcare Scholarship, c/o Amarillo College Foundation, P. O. Box 447, Amarillo, Texas 79178.
 

Information from the Jacksonville Daily Progress.