Hilda Byrd Melvin

In the early hours of June 2, 2025, the gentle spirit of Hilda Byrd Melvin took its final flight, enveloped in the warmth and love of her cherished family. Born on December 6, 1943, in Bladen County, North Carolina, Hilda came into this world with a heart full of promise and kindness that she would carry throughout her life. She was known to her loved ones not only for her nurturing nature but also for her steadfast strength—qualities that defined her existence and provided comfort to those lucky enough to know her.

In her almost three decades of marriage, Hilda shared an unbreakable bond with Luther Faye Melvin, who predeceased her, forming a partnership infused with love, laughter, and innumerable cherished memories. Together, they cultivated a family that thrived on connection and support. Their son, John William Melvin, as well their granddaughter, Markeda Melvin, also preceded her in passing.

Hilda was not just a daughter to Charles Castle Byrd and Virginia Barnhill Byrd, and a sister to Annie Byrd McKee; she was a steadfast guardian of family history and a bridge across generations. She cherished her brothers, Charles Castle Byrd, Jr. and Ernest Truman Byrd, with whom she shared countless memories that filled their childhood with laughter and light.

Though her life was challenged by the trials that come with time, including the profound loss of her beloved husband and son, Hilda faced every ordeal with a grace that resonated with those closest to her. Her legacy endures in the laughter and love she showered on her family, especially her daughter, Tiffany Anne Melvin and her husband Trey. Hilda was also survived by her great-grandchildren Eden and Marina Melvin, and many more extended friends and family too numerous to list.

She had a deep love for her family. Some of her favorite times were family gatherings, celebrating birthdays, Christmas and especially family reunions. She married the love of her life Luther on April 2, 1966. She had a strong spirit that enabled her to carry on for 30 years without her husband, but they have now been reunited! She was a Girl Scout leader and also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was a graduate of Elizabethtown High School and also graduated from the Selenia Commercial College in Lumberton.

As we gather to celebrate Hilda's life, we will come together at the Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. A visitation will be held on June 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12 PM, leading into the funeral service, which will begin shortly thereafter at 12 Noon with Pastor Brenda Flowers, officiating.  Burial will follow the service in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery.  Sandy Byrd, Ethan Byrd, Mason Byrd, Shurman Deal, Nathan Deal, Rusty Marsh and David Lane Mize will serve as pallbearers.

Hilda Byrd Melvin leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through the hearts of all she touched. While the world mourns her passing, she has ascended to a place where the bonds of love she forged can never be broken. We bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose life served as an unwavering beacon of compassion, strength, and infinite love.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care and support given by the Lower Cape Fear Life Care staff and Ms. Carolyn Council for the love shown to Hilda and the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in Hilda's memory to the Lower Cape Fear Life Care at 103 E Dunham St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 or Elizabethtown Baptist Church at 1800 West Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.