Lillie Bell (Lyman) Melton

Lillie Bell Melton of Ithaca, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in the company of family, at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY.

Lillie was born on November 2, 1946 in Evergreen, Alabama. Anyone who knew Lillie will remember her spirit and tenacity. Lillie was always one to stand up for what she believed to be right, those of us close to her loved Lillie for her quick wit and for the fact that nothing could keep her down. Even in her final months after her stroke, we could always look forward to Lillie being who we all knew and loved.

After growing up in Alabama, Lillie moved to Ithaca, NY in the 1960’s with her family. She worked at Cornell University, as a chef, for several sororities and fraternities including Tri Delta Sorority. Lillie married the love of her life, Ramon A. Melton in Ithaca, NY. They were together 38 years until his passing in 2016. Lillie grew up in a large family of three brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her sister, Mary (Thomas) Thibault of Geneva, NY; brother, Gene Lyman of Ithaca, NY; special nephew, George English of Groton, NY who tirelessly cared for her; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend, Trevor Connor.

Lillie was predeceased by her mother and father, Mary Lee Page and Roscoe Lyman Sr.;  her sisters, Marie McCoy, Catherine Watkins; and brothers, Roscoe Lyman Jr. and Willie Lyman.

A service to celebrate Lillie’s life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 with calling from 12-1 pm with service to follow at 1 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY with Pastor Shirley Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Frear Memorial Park, Ithaca, NY.