J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Obituary For Dorothy Cates Melton

Dorthy C. Melton, affectionately known as "Toppy" or "Dot," was called into eternal rest on February 5, 2024, at Spartanburg Regional. She leaves one son, Napolean (Michelle) Melton Jr, her parents, Bobby and Mattie Cates, and younger brothers, Bobby (Wendy) Cates Jr and Keith (Tina) Cates Sr., to cherish fond memories. Toppy will also be greatly missed by Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a great-niece.

Funeral Services will be 10:30am February 14, 2024, at J.W Woodward Chapel, and Burial will immediately follow at M.J. Cooper Veterans Cemetery at 140 Inway Dr, Anderson, SC.

Visitation will be held from 2:00pm – 8:00pm Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in J.W. Woodward's Chapel at 602 Howard St, in Spartanburg, SC.

The family will receive loved ones at the home of her brother Bobby (Wendy) Cates Jr at 135 Chester St. Spartanburg, SC, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (2/9-11). While the outpouring of love and support from family and friends is appreciated, they request that family and friends be mindful of any COVID or Flu symptoms before visiting to keep everyone safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Guest Book

Dorothy sweetie I was just informed of your passing.Iknow we had some great times in Highschool and we both were Military and college ,(JC SMITH UNIVERSITY) YOU COULD LIGHT UP A ROOM WITH THAT 😁 SMILE. SO RIP AND TAKE YOUR BOW MUCH ❤️ LOVE 💗. Dennis Gibson 💓

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This truly a shocker Dorothy worked with us a the Department of Motor Vehicles years ago such a sweet kind lovable fun person we would reach out to each other on Facebook our thoughts and prayers are with the families in these times of sorrow 🙏🏽

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My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I graduated high school with Napoleon then later on worked with Dot at Adidas. She was such a sweet person and i enjoyed working with her during my time there!! She will surely be missed. I'm still in shock as it was so sudden.

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I will miss our phone calls, and the conversations we shared, as well as the love we have as Cousins. I cherished when you'd call & say "I'm just checking up on you Cuz." Now you're in Heaven, having that uninterrupted Bible Study with our LORD & Savior JESUS CHRIST. Rest in Heaven Toppy. I adored you!

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The Smiths (Albie's kids)

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To the Cates family, Dorothy and I shared the same birthday. We talked over the telephone just about every day. I pray you all find comfort in knowing that Dorothy is at peace. I will miss her dearly, but she will always be in my heart. Joeann Hackett Charlotte, NC

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2 weeks ago we chatted on the phone about the Va and veteran's, family and friends, you are truly going to be missed, My confidant, my friend, and loved by so many, with heart filled sympathy to your family. Yvonne

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Dorothy I will miss you my friend. Dorothy and I used to walk to school together at highland elementary school, we wouldn't ride the bus cause they would pick with us both. I even had to fight one girl cause she got off the bus to pick with Dorothy. They would pull her long braided hair because they were jealous of how pretty she was. She would call me from time to time after we reunited at my 60th birthday party. I will miss our talks and you always thanking me for what I did for you when we were growing up. Rest In Heaven Carolyn Rice

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I'm so sorry for your loss Dorothy had a heart of gold I'm lost of words. May God bless your family Elaine Thompson

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Prayers for her, her family and friends

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Rest in peace

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I'm sitting here in shock. DOROTHY CATES was a beautiful soul. I played on Spartan High Band with her.She found me through Facebook. We reconnected after many years apart l was so glad to here from her GOD called home a Angel 😇 🙏 ❤ Get your rest my friend I will see you again GOD BLESS You family and strengthen you 🙏 All Amen. Paulette Wilson SHS BAND

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I'm so sorry for your loss, we went to school together and she was a beautiful person. May God comfort you at this time and always. Psalms 23

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To the Cate's and Melton family- Our deepest condolences are with you all at this time and in the times to come. Toppy had a smile and laugh that would light up a room but she also had a serious side. Going to miss you cuz. Love Hazel (Victor)Thomas Gary and Family

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So sad to hear of Dorothy's passing. She was such a sweet soul and neighbor

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So sad to hear Dorothy has passed. She was one of the friendliest people I knew in high school. We bonded as dear friends. I am so blessed to have known her. I love her, but it's good to know God loves her more. May the peace of God comfort her family. ~ Gloria Hunter Clemons

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Sweet memories of Dorothy "Toppy" Melton, no more pain... Loving & missing you!!! Carl & Sherri Smith Baltimore Maryland

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I have no words, I'm unable to process that my Cousin "Toppy" is no longer with us...I have memories, many many memories of our times together...In Baltimore, you never saw one without the other, always a team...Napoleon, you're in my prayers...My heart is broken.......... Carl Smith

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My prayers and condolences are with you all. I'll always remember growing up at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with Toppy and her family. Love to the family Aileen Martin

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Dorothy and I met in junior high school and remained sister/friends through high school, college, marriage and the birth of our children. In fact, she claimed the Smith sisters as her own.We spoke frequently and in the last few years mostly every week . Every conversation included talk of family , mom , dad, Napoleon, her beloved sister, brothers , aunts, uncles, cousins , neighbors, friends and GOD. In fact our last talk on Sunday morning was her declaring that she hated missing church and wanted to be there with her mom. While I know that I will never have another friendship such as ours , I am eternally grateful f to GOD or the sister love we shared and look forward to seeing her again. Love Debra Smith (Dib) Barrett. GOD Is...

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Family my heart goes out to you all. This year has been really tough but our weeping will endure for a night... I am thankful for the joy that will come in the morning. Napoleon, much love to you. Memories are sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet but they are a reminder to us all, she lived. ❤️ May the Lord bless and keep you family!

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My sincerest condolences to the family. Dorothy was always such a sweet person and classmate. May you rest well in the arms of Jesus. God bless your family and provide them with comfort and strength. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🌹🌹

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you will be sorely missed Dorothy. Rest peacefully. We love You. God bless Your Son and Family.. Sandra Smith Pearson and Family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

- Carl V SMITH