SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD
DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301
334-702-1712
Frances “Melanie” Wagnon
January 24, 1961 – October 12, 2024
Valdosta, Georgia
Frances “Melanie” Wagnon passed away after a lengthy illness in Dothan, Alabama on October 12, 2024. Melanie was born in Madison, Georgia to Robert Garth and Mildred (Lott) Garth. Melanie graduated from Rutledge Academy (Private School) in 1979 where she was active on the school basketball team. Upon graduation, she followed her passion and went to Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia seeking a Nutrition Management degree.
Melanie enjoyed watching the Georgia football games at home with her husband and family. Melanie and her husband, Ed Wagnon, have a special connection with the Georgia Bulldogs as their first date was attending a home game in Athens, Georgia. They were married on September 10, 1989, at First United Methodist Church of Madison, Georgia.
Melanie loved to cook for her family and always enjoyed the holiday meals with her family and friends. Melanie also enjoyed garden planning with her family and over the years they transformed the backyard of many homes into a garden full of flowers and other foliage that made it feel like an oasis of peace. Melanie enjoyed the family travels and the military service years that created lifelong memories and stories of their travels overseas military assignments that she found to be life enriching. Melanie devoted her life to her husband and children. Melanie cherished the close friendships that fulfilled her with happiness and love. She loved to stay in touch with friends and learn about their families’ adventures.
Melanie was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred (Lott) Garth; her father, Robert Garth; sister, Anne Filmer (Charles); brother, Robert Garth, Jr. (Ferrell); and son, Edwin “Garth” Wagnon. Melanie is survived by her husband, Ed Wagnon, Valdosta, Georgia; daughter, Katie Carlson (Brad); grandchild, Aubrey Carlson; sister, Mary Sears (Jim); brother, Branum (Tanny); sister-in-law, Betty Akins; brother in law, Bill Akins, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Melanie was well loved by all and will be deeply missed.
Melanie and Ed’s retirement home in Valdosta, Georgia was her “happy place”. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025 in Valdosta, Georgia
