Brilliant, loving ray of sunshine
Melissa, unique and free-spirited, with undeniable charisma and a huge heart, cast the world around her in captivating light. Music inspired her, athletics challenged her, and faith steadied her. Melissa could usually be found either with family and friends, at Church of the Rock, writing poetry and song lyrics, playing the keyboard and piano, or getting her hands dirty. A firecracker to her core, she was never the type to go with the flow, and she delighted in spreading smiles far and wide. Her six cats and her dog, Onyx, were beloved companions, as were her friends Melinda and Crystal, parents Steven and Crystal, brother Issiah, sister Meghan, a huge extended family, and her favorite pastors, Pete and Joann Fiske.
Social and outgoing, and drawn to unique experiences, Melissa loved sharing her passions and interests with others. She often exercised with Melinda, running or jogging surrounded by nature. Whenever they came upon an animal, Melissa gave them creative monikers and was tempted to save them all. Church meant singing her heart out, and she displayed her incredible gifts by producing music, dancing or singing to it, and recording her performances to share with anyone who’d watch. Her writing was so profound that she was pursued and acclaimed by professional authors. The outdoors welcomed her, and she was especially drawn to the sounds of birds, open-air markets, and live music venues. Melinda recalls a time the two were caught in the rain but overjoyed anyway. “Rain is nature, so we love that too!” Melissa proclaimed.
Melissa also had a passion for auto-mechanic work. From a young age, she sought out any training she could on the subject. She worked in multiple garages and gave seasoned mechanics a run for their money with her natural talent.
Her own struggles with the justice system, mental health, and substance misuse since age 16 inspired her to help the vulnerable. She encouraged others to “please listen to your children, friend, sibling, or others, and if they need help, please get them the appropriate help.”
Ongoing struggles with substance use disorder stole Melissa’s joy. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed, the invisible weight betraying her true nature. Stability so quickly shifted to hopelessness when misuse sneaked in. Melissa’s unpredictability led to prayer-filled days and sleepless nights for her closest kin. Her innocence, hope, and childlike wonder flickered like a candle clinging to a rapidly disappearing wick. During bouts of wellness, she aimed to bring hope to others. Resilient and imaginative, she was poised to use whatever skills she had to help others fight their battles, but before she could, Melissa’s sunshine slipped below the horizon on March 13, 2021.
The impact of her passing weighs heavily on those she loved most. Melinda misses her church and recovery meeting companion, the sound of her vaulted voice, her generosity, and the joy they shared. She cannot perform music without Melissa on her mind. Her grief-stricken friend has recommitted herself to advocacy, wellness, faith, and self-affirmation, to honor one of the “most beautiful souls I ever had the honor of loving.”
Melissa’s friend, Melinda White, provided the information for this narrative.
May 15, 1991-March 13, 2021-Age 29
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
