Melinda Gail (Murphy) Chelette

Melinda Gail Chelette, 79, of Graham passed away Friday, March 31, 2023. She was a native of Auburndale, FL, retired as an administrator to the chief of the Indian River County Fire Department in Vero Beach, FL and grew up in the Church of Christ. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and a friend to everyone she met. She loved to cook and bake, do arts and crafts and paint and was a gifted artist. She loved fishing trips with her family, gardening, animals and was known as being very witty and funny. She was married on April 13, 1969 and spent her first 5 years of marriage with her husband in Alaska before moving back to Florida. She is the daughter of the late Everett Wilford & Floy Mary Martin Murphy. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ronald Murphy & Dennis “Buddy” Murphy, and grandson Anthony Faircloth.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rodney D. Chelette of the home; Daughter, Lynn Marie Giordano of Graham; Son Robert Dale Chelette and wife Kellie of Graham; grandchildren, Robert (RJ) Dale Chelette, Jr., Christopher Robert Giordano, Jr. and fiancé Phoebe & Jordan Faircloth; great grandchildren, Christopher Robert Giordano, III and Skylar Ray Faircloth; stepdaughters, Sandra Phillips & Sherri Adams, both of TX; sister, Brenda Watson of Graham; sisters in law, Juanita Murphy of FL, Susan Hooks of FL and Prissy Powello of NC; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at her son’s residence for the family. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Doctors and Staff of Alamance Regional Medical Center for the compassion and care shown to Mrs. Chelette during her time at the hospital. McClure Funeral Home in Graham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcclurefuneralservice.net