Liz Melton

Liz Melton October 9, 1940 - May 10, 2016 Liz Melton also….Isabel Gutiérrez Maroto Garcia Garcia Guzman Gutiérrez Ruiz Alvarez Plaza Pita Perez Zazo Sanchez Aparicio Saez Rufo Villegas y Moreno of Melton. A Native of “ La Mancha “ ( Villarrobledo-Albacete, Spain) She Was A Humanist, Geologist, Historian, Conducted International Studies, Philanthropist , Philosopher, Educator, Businesswoman, Activist. Artist (Painter, Designer, Creator) Illustrious Citizen of the World Writer of Books about: Investigations, Geology, Poetry, Nature, Children, Animals, Emigration, Injustices, Social Inequality, History, Humor, Self Biography, Politics, Essays & Commentaries in (Spanish/English). Held Various Titles/Degrees. Who’s Who of American Women The story of Liz (Isabel) spans a short 75 years, she accomplished the impossible, and triumphed in the face of controversy. How do you condense a rich life as such, do it the honor and grace deserving of royalty? Where do we begin? Isabel Gutiérrez Maroto Garcia Garcia Guzman Gutiérrez Ruiz Alvarez Plaza Pita Perez Zazo Sanchez Aparicio Saez Rufo Villegas y Moreno of Melton was born in Villarrobledo-Albacete, Spain, October 9, 1940. Spain was under the rule of General Francisco Franco (A Dictator according to American History). She grew up free and unrestricted by this. Her education was a private school run by Catholic nuns and Jesuits. Her family in social status was upper middle class, with both parents being well educated. Her father studying architecture at University, met Asuncion and they waited until the war was over to be married. The Gutiérrez family had two girls; Isabel & Maricarmen. Each of which hold degrees in various subjects. Growing up side by side always questioning and seeking the truth in whatever interested them. The fact that Liz was a European/Spaniard shaped her beliefs and destiny. Always believing in the will of the people (Martin Luther King) , and need of the many, she set upon changing her world in anyway she could. Liz taught each of us the humility and fragileness of life that we often times take for granted. Her sense of social justice often times placed her in sometimes dangerous situations. The poor and oppressed , she coined the term “invisible people”. This remained a pinnacle of virtue for her throughout her life, even her death. She gave and gave and when that was not enough she gave more. This was expressed though her actions, words, and devotion. Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours. - Cesar Chavez During a short 75 years she raised two incredible children (Ruth/Mike), created, supported and shaped the lives of the two men in her life (Paul/Richard). Each of which loved her and would not have found the success they had without her. Her business career spanned the same gambit, finally ending in her lifelong goal of “making a difference”. From a personal standpoint, myself would in no way be the man I am today without her. She loved me, taught me, helped me, and guided me to the life I now enjoy. Liz has always been an academic, though she would never admit to it. Her grasp and intellect rivaled many esteemed professors at Jacksonville University where she worked for many years. The moment of her rebirth was after fully retiring then the game was on. She set about social justice for our community (Gazebo Shopping Plaza) , public services (University Library, JTA (Buses), and began writing letters, essays, and now 3 published books on Amazon with 5 more to be published soon. - http://www.amazon.com/I.-G.-Maroto/e/B011D5UL40. Accomplishments in her life?, there is not enough ink to write that story. Let us suffice it to say, she made a huge difference; Saving the University Library – This was a huge battle, but Liz believed that books allow us to seek knowledge by learning from others. The library provides the essential connection to the wisdom of the ages. The mark of our civilization is shown in how we value and treasure these resources. Casting this aside in lieu of fast access and misinformation readily available to all via our portable devices. Also she Changed the Policies of JTA, Gave Voice to The “Invisible People”, Fought for Women’s Rights and Against Abuse, Publically Voicing her Political Viewpoints in the Open Forum, Worked for Equality in All Forms for All People, Supported the Hispanic Community, Promoted the LGBT Community, and above all stood for fairness & justice. Her political views often found her conflict, but she always held steadfast to the ideals of “true” democracy. This unwavering belief in the humanistic ideas (left, right , center) gave her strength to enact civil disobedience in her own accord. She found her conscience when riding the public bus and sharing with others her knowledge and compassion. Never having a care of the danger involved in a simple embrace of a fellow passenger for someone who had a weakened immunity system. Liz saw only the need, not the consequences or caution to act. Our trips on the bus weekly to 5 Points (SunRay Cinema) were on the order of being magical. The light of her spirit was best seen when she made this weekly journey. We have both traveled the world and seen incredible sights and so many stories. Through her books and the internet, she saw the world as a whole. But, nothing was so genuine as the simple act of humility, care and compassion that she demonstrated to all who rode with her. If the journey was not enough, our destination was SunRay Cinema. The only cinema to show films that educate, challenge and give a voice to important issues. Liz was known by all, and routinely set about challenging conventional perspectives of many social beliefs. She pushed you to think, reason, and have an opinion on everything. Most of all “Question Everything”. Her famous question was from a quote of Einstein: Which is more important imagination or knowledge? Albert Einstein certainly thought so. He said: “I'm enough of an artist to draw freely on my imagination, which I think is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Liz would take you to task, and remind you of the importance of imagination…. Together we fought city hall, JTA, a various interests that endangered our community, and ALL citizens of Jacksonville. Liz has always acted throughout her life in a compassionate, unselfish manor to all who met her. As she was fond of saying, “We are made of star stuff…aka Carl Sagan”, through that her faith in the good nature of people led her meet so many people; the Current and Previous Kings Of Spain, John Cleese, Eric Idle, among the famous , professors, students, and many others that she would just talk to (when no one else would). This unconditional hunger for connection, discourse and understanding made her shine above all others. In addition, the pride and dignity shown by Liz relates best to this quote: It is fine for me to know I have holes in my socks, but not for you - Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Now I catch myself asking “What would Liz do?” I am so very proud to have been able to call her my wife/friend in our time together. Her last act of giving was to bequeath her body to science. Therefore, she asked for no ceremony or flowers. Listed below is a list of her charitable organizations, please donate in her name. http://www.oblatemissions.org http://www.hubbardhouse.org http://www.jaxhumane.org https://www.linktv.org https://www.freespeech.org “How would I begin to express my feelings for Liz, all that I am and have are a testament to the tireless, compassion, and love she has shown me over 30 years. Even in death she was still giving of herself. A true “fearless” person confronted numerous times with insurmountable odds, always able to remain true to her core beliefs in fairness and justice for all. She touched many lives and made our world a better place. She has been and always will be the highest ideals of care and compassion. A woman that saw no limits to ideas and worked nonstop for those without a voice in our society. The world lost a treasure of the mind and spirit for which we will never be able to replace. She was my wife, best friend, guardian, and love of my life.” - I Will Love You Always, Richard Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there; I did not die - Mary Elizabeth Frye Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando - Lita Better a bird in hand than a hundred in the sky