Lesa Kay Cegielski

Lesa Kay Cegielski, lovingly known as "Memaw," passed away unexpectedly at home on February 9, 2026, at the age of 61. Born on February 4, 1965, in Pasadena, Texas, Lesa lived a life marked by deep faith, compassion, strength, and unwavering love for her family and grandbabies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter P. Manning Jr. and Nancy Lee Harris, and her beloved daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Melchor.

Lesa is survived by her devoted husband, David Cegielski; her daughters; Jessica Branson and husband Tim Branson, Dawn Cegielski, and Nikki Ford; and her son, Joshua Melchor. She was a proud and adoring Memaw to her grandchildren: James & Lily-Faith Branson, Nicholas, Christopher, Kaydence, and Little David. Her grandbabies were her pride and joy - the very center of her world. Nothing brought her greater happiness than loving on them, cheering them on from the sidelines, story-time on her lap, baking cookies in the kitchen, cruising all over the Caribbean, and enjoying long days at Disney World rocking her Mickey ears with her grandbabies.

Lesa also leaves behind her three dogs - Waylon, Bodie, and Gracie - her faithful companions throughout the past eight years, bringing her joy, comfort, warmth, and unconditional love.

In the spring of 2008, stepping out boldly in faith, Lesa founded The Mortgage Store in Nashville, Tennessee. She found great fulfillment in teaching families the wisdom and knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions and achieve homeownership. She was passionate about empowering families to build stability and security, and it was her greatest honor to serve thousands of Nashville families and help make their dreams of homeownership a reality.

For many years, Lesa had a passionate heart for helping others find healing and freedom. She led a freedom-based life group at her local church, sharing her testimony and walking alongside those searching for hope. With her background in psychology and her deep personal faith, she dedicated herself to encouraging the brokenhearted and pointing people toward a future filled with promise.

On February 4, 2025 - her 60th birthday - Lesa fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing her first book, "Becoming Free". Through its pages, she shared her message of faith, healing, and spiritual freedom, extending her ministry far beyond her local community.

She loved family adventures, reading, concerts, traveling, gardening, and cooking. Her home in Nashville was always full - of laughter, conversation, and open arms. Above all else, she cherished time with her growing family.

Lesa will be remembered for her strong spirit, compassionate heart, steadfast faith, and the fierce love she had for those closest to her. Her legacy of freedom, hope, and unconditional love will continue to shine through the lives she touched.

A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00–4:00 PM at Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM.

In honoring one of Lesa's wishes, the family kindly asks that guests wear joyful colors rather than black, as she wanted her service to be a true celebration of life, love, memories, and God's goodness.

In lieu of flowers, donations of love can be made to The Bridge Ministry Nashville at BridgeMinistry.org. The family is deeply grateful for the continued prayers, love, and support during this time.

"My Memaw's GREAT…. She gives ME chocolate cake…." – Jamie