Grace Virginia Melton Freeman, 82, of Macon, Ga., died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010.

A native of Gaffney, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Nathaniel and Daisy Idell Gaffney Melton. She and her husband, the late Martin Frelix Freeman Jr., were married for 56 years.

Mrs. Freeman was coowner of Western Auto in Marion, N.C., for 24 years until she retired in 1991. She was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church of Macon and a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Marion, N.C. A member of McDowell County Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and Hospice of McDowell County, she enjoyed helping others.

She is survived by her daughters, Hope Daniel (Bob) of Macon and Jane Gallalee (Jim) of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren, Jeffrey Daniel of Macon and Genevieve Gallalee of Parkland Park, Kansas; step granddaughter, Julie Scott (Bryan) of Macon; and step great-grandchildren, Avery, Bryan and Asa Scott of Macon.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Marion with the Rev. George B. Hutchins and the Rev. Dan Thorton officiating.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Georgia, P.O. Box 6533, Macon, GA 31208; or Hospice of McDowell County, 218 Logan St., Marion, NC.

An online registry is available at www.ashevillemortuaryservices. com.