Mellede (Franklin) Duff

Mellede (Franklin) Duff was born on December 24, 1941, to John Henry Franklin and Laura Delia Ware in Aberdeen, Mississippi. She transitioned to eternity with her Lord on June 27, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. 

Mellede graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. She went on to enjoy caring for her family and working for Warick Manufacturing for several years before returning to school and earning her cosmetology license in 1984. Mellede retired in 1988. 

Affectionately regarded as "Moby" and "D. Mello", Mellede united in marriage with Jessie Guyton, Jr. in 1963. The two remained united until 1981. In 1983, she united in marriage with Robert Duff, with whom she remained until his passing in 1988. 

A long-time resident of Forrest City, Arkansas until 2013, Mellede relocated to Dallas, Texas, to reside with her daughter, Resia. Among many hobbies, she loved to work crossword puzzles, and watch Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. 

Mellede accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined the Church of God in Christ. She remained steadfast in her faith.  She was a role model for young adults, a model citizen, and a generous giver. Her greatest achievement was raising her five beautiful children to become intelligent, loving, responsible, and caring adults.

She will be fondly remembered for her ruby red lipstick, fashionista style, and love for jewelry. Classy, sassy, and full of life, Mellede will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Curlie Legette; daughter-in-law, Tolise Guyton; five sisters - Laurine Burks, Pauline Lawshea, Bobby Lydle, Mable Wymes, Vernice Williams, and Shirley Butler; and two brothers, Jack Franklin and John Franklin, Jr. Those left to cherish precious memories include her four children - Joyce Guyton-White (Doug) of Chicago, Illinois, Steve Guyton of Forrest City, Arkansas, Carl Guyton of St. Louis, Missouri, and Resia Robert of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three sisters - Helen Hull, Oeinta Mason, and Juanita Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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