Eloise Lorraine Melton Stilwell

June 7, 2018

CHARLOTTE – Eloise Lorraine Melton Stilwell, 97, passed away early, Thursday, June 7, 2018 at her home. She was born on March 22, 1921 in Golden Valley, Rutherford County, North Carolina, daughter of Douglas G. and Myrtle Pauline Melton.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Richard (Dick) Stilwell.

Eloise graduated Valedictorian of Sunshine School, Bostic, NC and was also a graduate of Pfeiffer College, Misenheimer, NC.  After moving to Charlotte, she married her true love, Dick Stilwell and was a Charter Member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church which they helped establish in 1947. Eloise was the first female Elder of the Church.  After Westover Hills closed, she became a member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Eloise worked briefly at the Navel Ammunition Depot in Charlotte, located near what is now Carowinds during World War II.  After caring for her children, she worked in the City of Charlotte Traffic Engineering Department for several years and was asked by former mayor pro-tem, Jim Whittington, to transfer to the Mecklenburg County Court System. Later, she served as a Clerk of Court and was appointed a Magistrate, where she served until her retirement at the age of 65.

Eloise was a friend and strong advocate of Law Enforcement and was known for her fair and compassionate treatment of all that appeared before her. To quote from a note written to her many years ago, “Even though I had broken the law you allowed me to keep my dignity. This, I am sure you did not have to do. Thank you for everything. I will always remember you for your gentle nature and your very good advice”.

Left to cherish her memory are sons, R. Foy Stilwell of Charlotte, NC and Richard Stilwell and wife, Janet of Sherrills Ford, NC; brother, Foy F. Melton of Chester, SC; sisters Hannah M. Maurer and Margaret Cline-Wert of Charlotte; grandchildren, Scott Stilwell, Teresa Bednarski, Amy Heim, Jon, Jeff, Roddy and Tommy Burris; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Lauryn, Bradley, Timothy, Joseph, Christopher, Jacqueline, Joshua, Jarrett, Jonathan and Emilee; and one great-great granddaughter, Imogene.

In addition to her parents, Eloise was preceded in death by her brother, Preston Long Melton and sister, Loretta M. Lemmond.

Funeral services for Mrs. Stilwell will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Stilwell will lie in state at the church an hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217.

 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

 

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Comments

  • Nancy Hargett Lakeman

    Foy, my sympathies to you and your family. Your Mother was admired and loved by many people. She set a wonderful example of dignity and kindness in her professional life and was a role model for many of us who observed her. I know that she will be missed by you.

    Sincerely, Nancy Hargett Lakeman

  • Linda Clark

    I am a former administrative assistant at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. My condolences to you and your families on the loss of your mother. I thought the world of her. She was a very special person. I was away visiting a relative, so was unable to attend her funeral. My thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Linda Clark

  • Chase Saunders

    i would like to extend my sympathies to Foy and the family at the loss of a remarkable and great lady. When i started law practice in 1972 as an Assistant Solicitor, i met your mother when she served as Magistrate with an office in the basement of the East Trade Mecklenburg County Courthouse. As a wise veteran of courthouse practices and knowledge, she provided many a young lawyer with wise words and guidance which helped us all adjust to the courthouse environment and the some 500+ lawyers ( the courthouse gang ) who frequented it. i always enjoyed my conversations with her and admired her discipline, honesty, and integrity. Over the years i considered her to be a model set the standard for public service and civic responsibility. i will always have a warm spot in my heart for her. She was a great woman whom we will all miss.

  • Bill & Janice Avery

    We considered Eloise as a dear friend and will miss her very much. She was a true lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially her great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

  • Fred Hamilton

    Foy and Richard and family. I have a lot of found memories of your mom. She was a sweet lady and will be missed. She was like a second mom to me. My prayers and thoughts are with you.