Iris Wilkinson Hall Melanson, 81 , of Jennings, FL, passed away at home, peacefully, with family nearby, on April 11, 2025. She was born on August 16, 1943, in Valdosta, GA, to Iris Laurene and Robert Wilkinson, Sr. She graduated from Valdosta High School in 1961.

Iris's greatest joy was her faith and her family. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a faithful member of Grace Community Chapel in Valdosta, GA (formerly the Valdosta Primitive Baptist Church) for many years, where she played the piano during Sunday services, even into her 80's, and worshipped alongside her church family.

Iris cherished spending time with her family. She loved having dinner out with her husband, Joseph, and always looked forward to visits from her children, grandchildren, cousins, and extended family. Whether gathered around a table or enjoying conversation at home, lris's love for her family was the heart of her life.

While residing in South Georgia, Iris was a member of the Valdosta Garden Club where she enjoyed working in service with her friends and community. She had a passion for gardening and found joy in tending to her flowers. Iris loved bringing fresh blooms inside to brighten her home - often taking pictures of them to capture their beauty.

Saturdays in the fall were especially dear to Iris, as she loved watching football -- cheering on her Georgia Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles with great enthusiasm. It was a pastime she looked forward to each week.

Iris devoted her professional life to working as an Executive Assistant with Wells Fargo Insurance Services, while living in West Palm Beach, FL (1980-2017). Her dedication and attention to detail were admired by many and was an officer and leader in the National Association of Insurance Women.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Melanson; her sons, Cary Hall of Pennsylvania, and Keith Hall (Tanyia) of Oregon; her step-sons, Michael Melanson (Thai) of Live Oak, FL, Kevin Melanson (Teresa) of San Diego, CA, and Tony Leonardi (Nikki) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and her step-daughters, Laura Herndon (Richard) of Jasper, FL, and Allison O'Brian (Kevin) of Jupiter, FL.

Iris's legacy also lives on in her beloved grandchildren:  Luke Hall, Tess Hall, Will Hall, Sequoia Hall, Shanoah Hall, Haley Melanson, Grace Melanson, Matthew Melanson, Megan Morris, Brayden Morris, Ethan Herndon, Tyler O'Brien, Austin O'Brien, Bailey O'Brien, Stone Flanery and Rayne Flanery.  She is also survived by many cousins and extended family members who will miss her deeply.

A memorial service celebrating Iris's life will be planned for a later date, where family and friends will gather to remember her faith, her kindness, and the unconditional love she so freely gave.