Carol Lou James Melson of Davenport passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 80 on June 10th. She was born on March 20, 1946, in Prague, Oklahoma, to Elmer Lee and Lena “Marie” Wallis James. Carol graduated from Davenport High School in 1964. On November 7, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Mark Edward Melson, and together they shared 54 years of marriage while raising four children.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and “Mema.” She dedicated 39 years to Davenport Public Schools, where she began her career as a paraprofessional working with special needs children and later finished her career as an elementary secretary, retiring in 2023. She was affectionately known as “Ms. Carol” and made a lasting impact on countless students, staff, and families.

She was also actively involved in the Milking Shorthorn Association, where she served as a leader for the junior milking shorthorn members, was active in the Davenport Little League Association, and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Edward Melson; her parents; her sister, Patsy Quinn; her brothers, Don James and Luke James; her son, Glenn Ray Melson; and her grandchildren, Derik Ray Melson and Rylie Hope Gibson.

Carol is survived by her children: Shelley Marie Melson Lyon (Royce), Marquita Ann Melson Gibson (Jeremy), and Brian Wade Melson (Maureen); her daughter‑in‑law, Amy Nickell Melson; and her brother, Jesse James (Diana).

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Whitney Lyon Mayberry (Dillon), Shelbey Lyon, Sierra Lee (Levi), Tyler Lyon (Maricela), Hunter Lyon (Charlie), Tanner Lyon (Crista), Braden Melson (Shayleigh), Jentrie Gibson, Boston Melson, Jerett Gibson, Jersey Melson, and Max Melson; and her great‑grandchildren: Waylon, Logan, and Cadie Melson, Troy and Elley Mayberry, Easton and Avery Lee, Cristian, Nolan and Katalina Lyon, plus another on the way.

Carol leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish her memory.

Carol’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the countless children and communities she poured her heart into; her faith, kindness, and devotion will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her, and we take comfort knowing she is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Chandler, Oklahoma.