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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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William P. Butler

Mayor Frank Melton’s memorial service is scheduled for noon Tuesday, May 12, at Thalia Mara Hall. On Monday, his body will lie in state at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Melton’s graveside service will take place at the Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland, TX. In lieu of flowers, Melton’s family is requesting donations to the Farish Street YMCA.

Donations should be sent to

I.S. Sanders YMCA
806 North Farish Street
Jackson, MS 39202

The 100 Concerned Clergy for a Better Jackson are hosting prayer vigils today for the mayor’s family and the citizens of Jackson, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m in all seven wards. The vigils are open to all residents.

The prayer vigil locations include:

Ward 1: New Jerusalem Church 5708 Old Canton Road
Ward 2: Anderson United Methodist Church, 6205 Hanging Moss Road
Ward 3: Cathedral AME Zion Church, 428 West Northside Drive
Ward 4: New McRaven Hill Church, 1530 Pear Street
Ward 5: College Hill Baptist Church, 1600 Florence Avenue
Ward 6: The Greater Tree of Life, 3102 Monticello Drive
Ward 7: Emmanuel World Ministries, 608 West Porter Street

For more information contact Paster Hosea J. Hines at 601-454-1998

Previous Comments

The Clarion just announced the services for Mayor Melton are noon Tuesday at Thalia Mara Hall.


I just heard the same thing Classy also that he will be buried in Houston, Texas.

Ronni Mott, award-winning writer, talented artist and peace-loving yogi, whose beautiful soul left us on February 2. She was 64.