Melissa Latham-Fuqua

LIMA -- Melissa "Missy" Dawn Latham-Fuqua, age 54, of Lima passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born on June 30, 1971, in Lima to Robert "Bob" Stapleton and Karen Sue McKeever and was raised by James E. "Jim" Latham, who all preceded her in death. On January 16, 1999, she married Darwin LaDale Fuqua, who preceded her in death on April 27, 2021.

Missy was a beautiful-souled, loving, and caring woman - a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and mother. Her boundless generosity and unwavering love helped shape the lives of countless children and people in her community. She was a 1989 graduate of Allen East High School. A dedicated assembler at the Ford Lima Engine Plant, where she was involved in many volunteer-based activities. Her heart for her community truly shone when she ran a daycare that greatly assisted and benefited the lives of many children and parents. Missy was the embodiment of a true social butterfly; she possessed a unique and wonderful ability to bring people together, making every gathering warm and inviting, which often led guests to stay far longer than they intended. She was the glue to many social groups, a dedicated friend, a beloved family member, and an extraordinary human being who will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

Mom, although your years in this world were far too short, the impact you made and the lives you touched go far beyond what you may ever know. We take comfort in knowing that you are finally getting the rest you so deeply deserve. Thank you for everything you have done.

Surviving are her two children Gillian (Erin) West of Lima and Brianna (Joshua Cardona) Fuqua of Hamilton, OH; her grandchildren Bryson David Good, Maxwell James West, Legend Alexander West, and Evie Giovanna Simone West; her step-mother Marsha Stapleton of Lima; her in-laws Nelson (Jeanette) Fuqua of Georgia; her siblings James "Jimmy" (Tammy) Latham of Lima, Jason (Nicole) Stapleton of Florida, Shauna (Kris) Durr of Lima, Samantha Stapleton of Lima, Lisa (Darren) Huffer of Lima, Mark (Derrick Daniel) Brookhart of Lima, Veronisa Fuqua of Atlanta, Nelson "Reese" (Monica) Fuqua of Lima, La'Quala (Kevin) Fuqua-Geans of Atlanta; her cherished partner, Marcus Jones, and his son, Makhi Jones; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 12:30 PM.

Interment will be in Ward Cemetery, Lima.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.