MELVA DAUGHTRY CASEY
Nov. 20, 1941-March 17, 2015
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 17, 2015, Melva Daughtry Casey, 73, surrounded by her loving and dedicated family, passed away in the home where she was born after fighting a valiant battle with cancer.
She was born Nov. 20, 1941, and was the daughter of the late Charlie Hubert and Mary Jane Moore Daughtry.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Raeford Daughtry; four-year-old sister, Ivor Jean Daughtry; sister, Betty Daughtry Britt; husband and father of her children, Adam Clifton Casey; and granddaughter, Caroline Casey Wells.
Melva was a dedicated member of Progressive Presbyterian Church in Princeton.
Before joining Progressive, she was an active and devoted member of Riverside Free Will Baptist Church, a church founded by her grandfather.
During her years as a member of Riverside, Melva actively participated in all aspects of the church to include leading the youth group, Bible school and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Melva retired from Wake County government as a sergeant detention officer with the Wake County Sheriff's Department.
Earlier in her working career, she worked alongside her husband and children as a farmer for Johnston County Farmers Home Administration and Stackhouse, Inc.
Melva was very active in her children's lives as a grade mother, supporting them through all their many school activities and functions and their church activities, including youth group and choir.
A wonderful cook and baker, she always made sure the special holidays were filled with excitement and all the trimmings.
She was also a champion for her children's education, careers and businesses all through the years.
Melva's proudest accomplishments were to be the best mother and grandmother to her family.
Her retirement was spent caring for family, and, specifically, she played a significant role in the love and care of her granddaughter, Caroline, until her death at age 7, in December 2009.
Melva was the best mother -- none no other as loving and encouraging as she.
Her philosophy was "the more the merrier," always including extended family and neighborhood children in activities, never selfish with her time and everyone was always welcome in her home.
She was a true southern lady, offering the utmost in hospitality.
Melva enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading, especially her Birds and Blooms and Horse Illustrated magazines.
A service to celebrate her life and legacy will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at high noon at the Casey Funeral Home Chapel.
The Reverend Jack Booth and the Reverend Dennis Pollock will
officiate.
A private burial service will take place at Princeton Cemetery.
The family is grateful for the care Melva received from Dr. Charles Scarantino and Dr. Russell Anderson and their entire staffs and volunteers at Johnston Health/Rex-UNC Health Care, as well as Dr. Dennis Koffer and the entire staff of Johnston Health Home Care and Hospice, specifically, Deena Ray, Kimm Redding, Mary Holder, Beth Walker, Murray Dees and Laura Daniels.
In addition, the family appreciates the many prayers, cards, phone calls and acts of kindness shown to them over the past several months, especially during the past several weeks.
There are too many of you to name specifically, but please know the family so appreciates everyone's thoughtfulness and generosity.
The many acts of kindness have helped to ease the pain during this
journey.
Melva is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Martha Casey, of Princeton; daughter, Twyla Casey Wells and grandson, John Thomas Wells, of the home; brother-in-law, the Rev. Gene B. Britt Sr., of Princeton; and nephews, Gene B. Britt Jr. and wife, Vicky, of Greenville and Timothy C. Britt and wife, Kim, and their children of Asheville; and a special extended family member, Bill Bullington.
The family welcomes memorial floral tributes or asks that you consider contributions to the Melva Daughtry Casey Memorial Fund, c/o Johnston Community College Foundation, P O Box 2350, Smithfield, N.C., 27577.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 20, 2015, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home in Princeton and other times at the home.
Melva's faith in Christ was unstoppable through any challenge or trial faced, but most especially through these last two years.
She instilled in her family her strong and unwavering beliefs and values.
"For the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee." -- Isaiah 41:13
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 19, 2015 1:50 PM