Estelle Melton Sullivan

Jefferson, SC - Mrs. Estelle Melton Sullivan, age 96, peacefully entered into rest on February 8, 2025. The funeral service will be held at Fork Creek United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM, officiated by her nephew, Reverend Dan Sullivan. Her great-grandson, Clark Graves, will deliver the eulogy. Following the service, burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will welcome friends for visitation in the church fellowship hall from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service.

Born on January 19, 1929, in Ruby, SC, Estelle was the daughter of the late Kirby and Addie Rhyne Melton. She graduated from Ruby High School and dedicated her life to faithfully serving at Fork Creek United Methodist Church, where she contributed as a choir member, taught the ladies’ Sunday school class, led the MYF, and participated in numerous other church committees. Estelle retired from Kendell-Bethune after years of dedicated service.

Estelle had a passion for catering weddings and was especially renowned for her beautiful wedding cakes. Her love for flowers was evident in her many contributions to the church, and she lovingly created memorial keepsake flowers for grieving families. An avid gardener, she cultivated an expansive garden each year and delighted in preparing large Sunday dinners for her family. Estelle also cherished the time spent working alongside her brother at Bo's produce stand in Chesterfield.

In addition to her parents, Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Olin Lee Sullivan; her brothers, Jerome, K.C., and Baxter “Bo” Melton; and her son-in-law, Edison K. Graves.

She is survived by her children, Josie S. Graves of Jefferson, SC; Danny E. (Sara) Sullivan of Winchester, VA; and Donald E. (Deborah) Sullivan of Pageland, SC. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Rodney D. (Dawn) Graves, Stephen K. (Amy) Graves, Melina “MeMe” G. (Chris) Gaston, Ryan D. (Ann) Graves, Christian S. (Kendall) Graves, Marcie (Johnny) Lloyd, Sean (Erica) Sullivan, Ashley Sullivan (Jimmy Giesler), Meghan (Chad) Threatt, and Michael (Amanda) Sullivan, as well as her great grandchildren: Clark (Melia) Graves, Luke (Grace) Graves, Lanie Graves, Evan Graves, Addie (Scotty) Edwards, Victoria Bostrom, Leila Bostrom, Savannah (Will) Shelton, Paisley Graves, Grant Downen, Trent Courtney, Baylor Graves, Charlotte Graves, Christopher Lloyd, Serena Lloyd, Amberlee Sullivan, Emma Sullivan, Camden Threatt, Colton Threatt, Grady Sullivan, and Estella Sullivan; and her great-great grandchildren, Nolan, Harper, Hampton, Haiden, Raylen-Kate, Henlee, and Kirby James. Estelle is also survived by her siblings, Troy Melton of Mt. Croghan, SC; Bette Short of Ruby, SC; and Maurice Melton of West Columbia, SC, along with generations of nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and administration of Cheraw Healthcare and Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield for the compassionate care and support provided to Mrs. Sullivan and her family during her later years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fork Creek United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 309, Jefferson, SC 29718.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Sullivan family.