Melodie Phipps

Melodie A. Phipps NORFOLK- Melodie Appenzeller Phipps, 89, died Dec. 22, 2010 at Harbour Pointe Medical and Rehabilitation Center. She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Melodie Appenzeller and the widow of Walter A. Phipps. She was born and raised in Portsmouth and lived most of her life in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. She was a proud member of the matrilineal tradition of the Melodies. Her grandmother was Melodie W. Pettijohn, her mother was Melodie P. Appenzeller, her daughter is Melodie R. Phipps and her granddaughter is Melodie Katherine Phipps. In addition to being a wife, mother, grandmother and caregiver to many friends and family members, Melodie worked for more than 25 years in the hospitality industry. She worked at Brownley's, the Holiday Inn/Ships Cabin and Henry's. Her well-known love of good food and cooking stemmed from her restaurant experience and from the mentoring influence of the late Mrs. Mary "Mama" Garcia, friend and neighbor. Her passion for food extended throughout her life. Her final solo trip this fall was to the Ghent Harris Teeter where she was a respected frequent shopper. Melodie was also an astute entrepreneur having co-owned and managed both a septic tank service and a swimming pool construction business with her late husband. Before declining health forced her to retire, Melodie also enjoyed success as a real estate agent in Virginia Beach. She is survived by three children, Russell A. Phipps, Melodie R. Phipps and W. Craig Phipps and his companion Cheryl K. Eady; and four grandchildren, Melodie Katherine Phipps, Russell C. Phipps and their mother Erica Phipps and Torin Macbeth and Trevor Martin. Melodie made a strong impression on everyone she met. She will be remembered for her intelligence, style, generosity, compassion, wit, stories and strong opinions - freely given. Funeral arrangements will be private. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyer.com.