Photo courtesy of Evans Funeral Home - Florala
Florala, Alabama
Nov 12, 1958 – Jun 26, 2022
Melanie McDaniel Harrison, loving mother, sister and fiancée, left us on Sunday, June 26, to join the Lord, at age 63.
Melanie was born on November 12, 1958, in Florala, AL, and attended Florala High School, graduating as Salutatorian with the class of 1976. She later attended Troy University, where she excelled as a member of the Troy Collegiate Singers, and also attended Faulkner University. After moving to Brewton, AL, with her family, she worked as the Executive Director at the East Escambia chapter of the Red Cross and later she held the position of Communications Director at Southern Pine Electric Cooperative. If her chosen path of work revealed anything, it’s how deeply Melanie cared for people. During her time with Southern Pine, Melanie assisted with organizing meals and lodging for hundreds of linemen, alongside deploying disaster response plans during various weather crises.
Melanie had a great love of animals, starting with her early years spent horseback riding and tending cattle on her father’s farm to caring for a number of pets brought in, adopted and cherished as part of the family. Melanie was an avid reader her entire life – with favorites by Pat Conroy and Anne Rivers Siddons, alongside a packed shelf of mystery novels – as well as a writer herself; this love of the written word is a gift she shared with her children. Not only a fan of traveling through literature, some of Melanie’s favorite times were spent in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina and Georgia, reflecting on the sights and splendor of the world. Close friends of Melanie’s remember her kindness and beautiful heart. Melanie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brewton, AL, and involved with the Garden Club.
She is survived by her son Brandon Harrison, Brewton, AL; daughter Savannah Harrison, Seattle, WA; fiancée William Rodwell, Florala, AL; sister Amy McDaniel Smith (Scott), Roswell, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband Craig Harrison, mother Gennella McDaniel and father Jerry McDaniel.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the First Methodist Church in Florala, AL. Visitation will be at 10:00 am.
Read More
I remember Melanie as a sweet little girl who listened intently as I read stories in the Florala library. Later I knew her a beautiful young girl who loved to ride horses at Lakewood. And then as the fun-loving financee of my cousin Bill. She graced our lives and is deeply missed. Martha McNeill Bradford
Martha McNeill Bradford
July 06, 2023 | Shalimar, FL | Family
I am so saddened to hear today about Melanie's passing. My husband, Jimmy and I had the joy of working with her through the Cooperative Environment program in her job at Southern Pine in Communications. We always looked forward to seeing her smiling and artistic personality. It was a pleasure to spend time with her at breaks and lunches talking about literature and life. She was a dear soul and I, along with many others will miss her sweet presence on this Earth walk with us. I am thankful...
Sierra Stiles
September 08, 2022 | Andalusia, AL
My family and I were so sorry to hear about the passing of Melanie. May God be with you all during this difficult time to give you all peace and comfort. God Bless!
Mike & Debra Childs Henderson
July 06, 2022 | Chancellor, AL | Friend
Our "family" from the class of '76.
My heart aches to hear we lost one of our own but rejoices in being part of this group that "grew" up together as the FHS class of '76. What a blessing to have been part of this group ... brothers and sisters! May God bless and keep Melanie's family and friends through this painful time but eventually replace the pain with the wonderful memories of her life, love and energy!
Paul Bedsole
July 01, 2022 | Fleming Island, FL | Classmate
I’m sorry for the loss. We spent many days on what we called “The Green Mile” hall at Southern Pine laughing with Mel (and many times at her). We had some great times and great memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Greg Dawkins
June 30, 2022 | Brewton, AL | Coworker
Amy, Bill, and family,
Melanie was such a kind and gentle soul. All these years later I can remember her smile and her spunk. While in high school, we went sailing once in Panama City. We capsized the small boat and had to swim to shore. We could barely swim for laughing. It is such a fun memory of a special friend.
My heart breaks for you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love,
Kay Gomillion Elam
Kay Gomillion Elam
June 30, 2022 | Nashville, TN | Friend
I am so sorry to hear about Melanie's passing. She was such a sweet genuine person. I will always appreciate the time we spent together on co-op trips, whether it was Youth Tour or a conference. She was someone you could rely on to listen and lift your spirit. Melanie was a great writer who won several awards in the co-op world, but more importantly she was an awesome person. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.
Patty Singleton-Seay
June 30, 2022 | Andalusia, AL | Friend
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends. Melanie was a childhood classmate at Florala Elementary. It was always a pleasure to stumble upon one another upon various occasions. We always managed to recognize one another and share sweet memories as children. Prayers offered to those left to mourn her passing.
LaVerne Heffner
June 30, 2022 | Andalusia, AL | Friend
So sorry for your loss. We will miss our beautiful, sweet cousin. She was a shining light in our world.
Sophie Meyer
June 30, 2022 | Fort Walton Beach, FL | Family