Distinguished Service Award

Lillian J. Melton
The Alumni Association’s Distinguished Friend Award honors “friends of the University who have given unusual and unselfish service to the University through their time, talents, and resources.” Lillian Melton has truly done all this. Leo Rosten wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”

Lillian has said, “I am very pleased and proud of the progress that has been made to bring Mountain State University to the level it is today. It allows students in our area an excellent opportunity for a good education. It has brought many international students into our community, which is good for all of us. In particular, I am pleased that Mountain State University encourages many students to pursue degrees in the medical fields, especially nursing.”

Graduating from Montgomery High School in 1936, Lillian and her twin sister didn’t waste any time continuing their education. The very day they graduated, both girls enrolled at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Clarksburg. Lillian graduated cum laude in 1939 and accepted a job at Beckley Hospital in 1940.

Lillian married Henry F. Melton, Jr. (better known as “Buster”), in 1941. Just three months into their marriage, Buster was called to serve in World War II. The war kept the newlyweds apart for the better part of four years. Their first daughter was born during the war and didn’t see her father until she was two years old.

Lillian continued to work as a nurse and after Buster’s return from the war they had two more children—a daughter and a son.

In 1951, Lillian and Buster opened Melton Mortuary. The business has grown and served the community for over 55 years. Lillian’s son manages the mortuary now, and she continues to work there.

For over 50 years, Lillian has been active in Gideon International Auxiliary, Church Women United, Beckley Woman’s Club, and Order of the Eastern Star. She has been an active member of Memorial Baptist Church since 1968 and is a lifetime member of Friends of the Library.

She says, “My husband and I began giving financial aid to the college when John Saunders was the president. We attended all the basketball games and helped as much as we could. We always hoped the college would grow to a four-year school; that happened when Dr. Polk became president. My husband died in 1993, so he didn’t get to see all the expansion and improvements; however, he would have wanted me to continue to support and help Mountain State University any way I can.”

When you go to cheer on our Cougars at the Raleigh County Armory, look up in the stands and you will be sure to see Lillian. She attends nearly every home game.