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Melissa SMITH Obituary

SEAFORD - On September 14, 2010, Melissa Althea Smith of Seaford, Va., passed away at age 43, after a valiant fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Melissa is survived by her husband, William E. Smith III, also of Seaford; three daughters, Vivian Faith Smith of Seaford, Amanda Reagan of Newport News, and Carly Reagan of Seaford and; and three step-daughters, Trista Smith of Charlottesville, Va., Kirsten Smith of Newport News, Va., and Kendyl Smith of Newport News, Va. She is also leaves behind her parents, Donald and Antha Wade of Manson, N.C., (formerly of the Peninsula); and two sisters, Karen Wade Hayes (and husband, Tom), of Richmond, Va., and Barbara Wade Medlin of Norlina, N.C.; mother-in-law, Lou Smith of Newport News, and many nieces and nephews.
A 1985 graduate of York High School, Melissa worked for the College of William & Mary School of Business in the late 80s, then for musician Bruce Hornsby for 14 years, where she was loved by many. Melissa was a devoted and loving wife and mother who enjoyed volunteering at her childrens' schools, entertaining friends and family, gardening, teaching VBS and helping with KidsPraise at her church (Seaford Baptist), as well as painting and calligraphy. She was an amazing and active listener with a tremendous sense of humor, was an eternal optimist, and never failed to see the best in everyone she knew.
Her greatest desire after her diagnosis was to show the joy of the Lord as her strength through her suffering. She always gave glory to God for giving her the grace to endure the losses associated with ALS with humor and peace, and pointed others to see God's strength through her weakness. He provided for her every need through loving family, amazingly devoted friends, supportive churches and even strangers. Everyone who knew her loved her and she had a joyful countenance.
We will now pray for His grace to shore up those left behind until we join her again in Heaven. Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary at Seaford Baptist Church on Sept. 17, 2010, at 1 p.m. with reception immediately following in the Family Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association of MD/DC/VA, Seaford Baptist Church, Seaford, Va., or the Gathering of Men in Newport News.
Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Melissa SMITH

24 Entries

Lolita Newell

September 27, 2010

Donnie,
I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. May you and your family find comfort in knowing that Melissa is in a better place where there is no more pain and suffering.
May God bless you and your family!

Janine Riley

September 22, 2010

I did not know Melissa but my sister passed away from ALS 10 years ago. My sister was blessed as Melissa was with a strong faith and wonderful family and friends. May God send his angels down to wrap their wings around Melissa's family/friends and give them some peace. My sister and Melissa are talking, walking and eating in heaven together. I am walking in both their memories in Indianapolis on Oct 2nd with Nikki Sue's Crew to raise some money for a cure for ALS.

September 19, 2010

Jesus said," I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.....and I lay down my life for the sheep." I am so grateful for Missy laying her life down to show the true strength of God to trust Him that He knows us....Thank you for being my friend. And to my family I love you so much you have been such a blessing in my life I am forever grateful for our relationship.....know that you are always in my prayers and thoughts. Lenora Turner (Hampton, Va.)

September 18, 2010

We were fortunate to have known Melissa. We will miss her and extend our sincerest sympathies to her family and friends. She was one of those few people you have the pleasure of knowing who was completely genuine and caring. She was an example for all of us. She will be remembered forever.

Timmy Greene

September 18, 2010

Donna Scheett

September 17, 2010

Missy was one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. She was always the same every time you saw her. Her smile was infectious. My prayers are with all of you for God's comfort and strength!!

Michelle Spiers

September 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who Melissa touched during her time here on earth. I had the priveledge of getting to know Melissa when she was pregnant with Vivian in the hospital. She was always so positive and had an amazing spirit. I enjoyed every moment spent talking with her and know she will be missed tremendously.

Lou (Millwood) Wright

September 17, 2010

My thoughts and prays are with you during this time of great sadness. We went to high school together and she was a very sweet girl. Just know that God will be keeping her safe in his arms now.

Karen Robertson

September 16, 2010

I remember Missy from elementary school she was a wonderful caring person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family

Pam Bucklew

September 16, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of Melissa, I never personally met her but I had met her sister and husband about three years ago when my dad had passed away with ALS and our blessed Angel Lenora was with our family during our passing of our dad. I am so glad that we were able to let you share our Angel Lenora with your family. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with your family and she is no longer suffering from this awful disease. God Bless Your Family (Pam Bucklew)

Barbara Anzio

September 16, 2010

Lou, I am so sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers. I hope it helps to know that Melissa is at peace and not in pain anymore.

WAYNE SAMPSON

September 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Melissa's family. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. We became friends through Bruce and Kathy Hornsby, and Melissa was always so kind and full of life. My heart bleeds.

Debbie Boyden

September 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa's family. I worked with Melissa years ago at Drs. Mackel and Nelson and she truely was an angel. Her smile would light up a room and she never had an unkind word to say to anyone. I feel blessed to have known her and call her my friend.

Eddie and Cindy Camunas

September 16, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers to you all. I am sorry we never got a chance to meet Melissa, but heard what a wonderful, beautiful person she was. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Bert & Jacque Fowler

September 16, 2010

We were privileged and blessed to meet Missy and experience her love, joy and strength she shared through her commitment to a life lived for Jesus . As a family, your devotion and faith were a testimony to all of us. We rejoice that Missy is free from suffering and is now experiencing eternal glory.
Our love and prayers remain with the family.

Conway and Betty Richardson

September 16, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go to Missy's family. We hold special memories of Missy and are glad that she touched our lives. May God comfort you during this very difficult time of sorrow.

Sara Gilson

September 16, 2010

Missy was an inspiration to me always. I remember her great faith, her kindness, her lovely smile, her sense of humor, her generosity, and her commitment to glorify Jesus in and through her life.

Sara Gilson (Yorktown, VA)

Sonja Deal

September 16, 2010

I knew Missy through many years as I worked in her Doctors office. She was a wonderful, positive person whom I feel lucky to have known. No matter the trouble she looked to the positive side when so many of us would have given up. She fought a good battle and now rest in peace Missy. You were truely an inspiration. Your family and friends are in our prayers.

Helen Currin

September 16, 2010

Heaven has surely welcomed a beautful new angel. Missy was an angel all of her life, loved and enjoyed by everyone who ever knew her. My brother, her Daddy Buck, absolutely adored her. I am so sorry that distance kept me from seeing more of her. She touched so many lives and will always live in the hearts of her loved ones.Aunt Helen Currin

Kim Wiseman

September 16, 2010

I cannot express how sad I am to hear of Missy's passing - I worked with her at W&M and we became fast-friends. Recently I tried to find her; she has been on my mind. The last I talked to her was in 2003. She was one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of calling friend, and I am grateful beyond words to have had her in my live.

Angie Utter

September 16, 2010

So sorry to hear of her passing, but know it brings you comfort to know she's resting in the Father's arms and in no more pain! Will keep you in my prayers! Many Blessings,
Angie

Ramona (Rush) Potter

September 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to Missy's family. I pray that God will strengthen you all during this time of sorrow. Thinking all the way back to elementary school, Missy was always happy and friendly. She was a beautiful person.

Aaron Pritchett

September 16, 2010

Melissa was the wonderful young lady who corresponded with me when she was able to line up my first meeting with Bruce backstage in Norfolk, VA at the Harrison Opera House in December of 1993! I still have the letter framed and am forever grateful for her professionalism, warm heart and generosity! She was awesome to work with over the years on a variety of projects . . .

I was fortunate enough to meet her in person in 2005/2006 in my current job at Newport News Television where I have used Bruce's music in a number of my video essays! It was only one meeting in person with her and she was a beautiful woman both on the inside and out- and so glad that I was able to meet her one on one to let her know face to face what a pleasure it was to work with her over the years and to thanks for all the work she had done!

Melissa, you can rest now for you are no longer suffering! I'm glad to have known you and also glad that you made a difference and made a lot of people especially the fans of Bruce Hornsby a lot happier for going that extra mile to fulfill our dreams and our wishes over the years! May God Bless You now and forever!

Psalm 121:1

Derwin Cox

September 15, 2010

Melissa was such a wonderful and loving person. We shared many visits and conversations over the last 14 years. I was very happy to see her at the Hampton Bay Days in September 2009. I will miss her.

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