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Melissa Matthews Obituary
Melissa was born in Athens, Ga., on February 4, 1970, the youngest child of Billy and Gloria Hale, and grew up in the Five Points neighborhood. She attended Barrow Elementary School and Clarke Middle School and graduated from Clarke Central High School in 1988. She earned both a B.A. in Psychology (1992) and a Master's in School Counseling (1998) from the University of Georgia. She served as a school counselor at Walker Park Elementary School in Walton County, Ga., through 2003.
While earning her master's degree, Melissa worked at SunTrust Bank where she met the love of her life, Rob Matthews. They married on November 5, 2000. The greatest joy of their life was the birth of their daughter, Macey, in 2004.
Melissa loved her life and was devoted to her husband, daughter, family and friends. She was a lifelong, dedicated member of Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees and was active in the United Methodist Women organization. She was known for her infectious smile and passion for life and especially enjoyed annual family beach trips to St. Simons and Hilton Head.
Melissa is survived by her husband, Rob Matthews; and daughter, Macey of Watkinsville; parents, Billy and Gloria Hale of Athens; brother, Bill Hale, his wife, Allison, and daughters, Emmeline and Isabelle of Athens; brother, Mark Hale, his wife, Anitra, and children, Sadie and Hudson of Athens; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Rhoda Matthews of Athens; and sister-in-law, Terry Matthews (surviving spouse of Jim Matthews) and their sons, Jimmy and Jackson of Greenville, S.C.
Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, at Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Smith officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 12, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church family life center.
Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to Young Harris UMC or the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support.
Lord and Stephens, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Matthews
Lynn Evans Carter
August 18, 2009
Rob, My deepest condolences to you, your daughter and your families. I didn't know Melissa, but it sounds like she was a beautiful person. My heart goes out to you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I find it hard to comprehend everything you have been through in the last few months, but we know God doesn't give us more than we can handle. Take care and God bless.
Jake Wakefield
August 16, 2009
Dear Rob & Macey,
With deepest sympathy to both of you on the loss of our beloved Melissa. We will all miss her dearly because she was able to touch so many lives with warmth, kindness and especially laughter. When I met her in the 4th grade at the YMCA, we both shared a laugh and that continued all the way through middle school, high school and UGA....and then some. I miss our friendship terribly, but I know she'll be there for all of us in spirit. Rob, you and Melissa have a beautiful daughter and the resemblance to her mother is so striking and amazing. I'm sure she'll carry Melissa's "laughter" trait. Our family will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers.
Our heartfelt condolensces,
The Wakefields
Jake, Allison, Lily and Finn
August 14, 2009
Dear Rob, Hale and Matthews families,
My heart goes out to all of you and I pray you find peace in the certainty that he will never be further than your heart. Hold on to your beautiful memories and your sweet Macey, as her mom will live through her.
God Bless,
Michael and IsMarie Ripley
Neil & Adrianne Glezen
August 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. This picture of Melissa is perfect. She had such a wonderful smile! She was such a happy person who always had positive words. May your wonderful memories give you comfort in the days ahead.
Boyd Smith
August 13, 2009
Rob, I was saddened so to hear of the loss of your beloved wife Melissa. I have some idea of the grief that you and Macey are feeling and can only encourage you by saying that time does heal all wounds. I lost my mother at an early age and with time those wonderful, beautiful memories will begin to fill the void left behind by Melissa's passing. I do pray that will come soon and that God will ease the pain in your hearts. Be strong my friend and May Godd Bless your Family.
Sarah Fisher
August 13, 2009
I knew Melissa from our Barrow School days. Kindness and warmth are the hallmarks by which I remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peace,
Sarah Fisher+
Cathy Horton Smitherman
August 13, 2009
I knew Melissa in High School. She was such a sweet, happy, and joyful person. I am saddened to learn of her passing and the struggles she went through. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and your faith, family and friends will help to get you through this difficult time. I know this sounds like words from a card, but it is true (I know from my own experience). It won't be easy, but you will find peace and comfort again.
Leanne Sheffield
August 13, 2009
Melissa was truly a special person, with the biggest smile I've ever seen. She lit up the room, and will be truly missed. I'm thankful to her for being a true friend to my sister, Debbie, for many years. I'm so sorry for the entire family for this trememdous loss. I'm comforted that Melissa is finally in paradise and free from pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cory Young
August 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. I have heard such wonderful things about Melissa.
God Bless always.
Maureen McLaughlin
August 13, 2009
Melissa always had a kind word for everyone, and she her sense of humor was infectious. I will remember her smile and the mischievous twinkle in her eye. Rob, Billy and Gloria, thank you for sharing your wonderful girl with the rest of us.
Even though we were only casual friends, Melissa was a very dear person to me, and I will miss her forever. I can't begin to imagine what you must be going through right now, but know that you are surrounded by the love of God and of your friends. I hope you find solace in knowing that even though Melissa left this world too soon, in her time here she made it a better place for everyone who knew her. Macey is Melissa's greatest legacy, and we will make sure that she grows up knowing how many people love her mommy.
Ken Scoville
August 13, 2009
Sorry to here about your lose. Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this time.
August 13, 2009
Bill and Allison, I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. You are
in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Rita Knight
Suzanne Butt
August 13, 2009
Melissa was a warm, hilarious and beautiful person. She will be missed.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Matthew Blankenship
August 12, 2009
Dear Rob and the Matthews and Hale families,
We were sad to learn that Melissa's galant struggle against breast cancer came to this end. We know that she rests comfortably at Gods side now. Please know that my family holds each of you in our prayers during these difficult times. Rob, I know you as a good and fair man, former school mate, and neighbor. Hold on to your faith, your family members, and your friends as you come to terms with all that has happened in your life. You will find sunnier days ahead.
Matthew and Selena Blankenship Family
Brenda Hamilton
August 12, 2009
Rob,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. She was such a wonderful person that had a smile and kind words for everyone she encountered. While there is nothing I can say that will ease your loss, I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and Macey.
May the love of family and friends comfort you now and always.
Laura Brown
August 12, 2009
I grew up with Melissa from elementary through high school and remember her with warmth and fondness. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Augusta Bennett
August 12, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all so sweet and I have fond memories of your family.
Praying for you all,
August 12, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hale and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Melissa. She was a beautiful person and I have fond memories of her from my years at Young Harris. My prayers are going up for all of you in the coming days.
--Jennifer Smith Bohanan
August 12, 2009
Dearest Rob....Rodney and I are there with you in spirit. Watching you grow up was such a treasure of memory. You were always the sweet ,polite, well mannered little one and you still are as the big man..Macey will be a joy for you and God will hold you in his wings. Sending much love to you..June C. (Tiger,Ga.)
Sharon Summers Petitt
August 12, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hale, Rob and family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Melissa's death from a friend. Melissa and I were childhood friends at Young Harris while my Dad was pastor there in the early '80's. I regret that I did not keep in touch with her over the years but have always remember her with the fondest of memories. You all will be continually in my thoughts and prayers.
August 12, 2009
Rob,
Melissa went on our study abroad to Italy in 1993. We will always remember her beautiful smile and warm personality. Please know that you and your family are in our constant thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Professor Al and Carol Garbin; Arnoldsville, GA
Ignacio, Maria, and the kids- Aguerrevere
August 12, 2009
Sweet Melissa, always happy and positive. Such a good friend and a wonderful wife and mother. We were so lucky to have her as a neighbor and a friend.
We regret we can't be there to accompany you duing this difficult time. Macey is lucky to have a wonderful father, we pray that you find the stregth to go on and celebrate her life.
Joelle Yarbrough
August 12, 2009
Rob,
I am saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I don't think there is anyone in the world who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way. Hopefully, a cure will be found in the near future so others will not have to face what Melissa went through. May God give you strength and may you find comfort in Him during this difficult time.
Edna England
August 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shannon Short
August 12, 2009
Dear Rob and family, Words truly cannot express my sadness for you as you go through yet another time of such great loss. No family should have to go through such loss two times in such a short time. My heart and my prayers are close to you all. Much love and many blessings on all of you - from an old Athens friend.
Mary Carroll & Taylor Murray
August 12, 2009
We will continue to pray that you feel strengh that can only come from the Lord. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
August 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God bless.
Donald & Jane Mitchell,
Toccoa
Lynn Nicholson Heyen
August 12, 2009
Melissa was a joy to all that met her. I feel that I am a better person because she was my friend. Her smile and laughter were contagious.
Rob, Macey, Billy, Gloria, Mark and Bill and everyone else - please know that you are in our prayers.
Jim Taylor
August 12, 2009
Rob
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of Melissa.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Megan Griffin
August 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hale and Matthews family. Melissa was a beautiful person and impacted so many lives in such a possitive way.
Terri (Alewine) Rutledge
August 12, 2009
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Melissa was a wonderful person & will be greatly missed by all.
Randy and Beverly Tittle
August 12, 2009
Melissa is a courageous lady, she fought a good fight, she kept the faith and now she has finished the race. Rob and Macey, Beverly and I are praying that the Holy Spirit will fill that void that you are now experiencing. Everything is going to be alright. Love To All,
Kellie Moon
August 12, 2009
This picture is just how I remember Melisssa. She was so nice and always had a big smile on her face. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Goodroe
August 12, 2009
Rob
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ricky Scarborough
August 12, 2009
Rob, I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your wife. My heart goes out to you and your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless you.
katy brodrick
August 12, 2009
Rob and Macey,
Melissa loved both of you so much and still does. She is still with you, the only difference now is she is not hurting. I pray that you will have peace, I ache for you. We love you and are here for you not just in the coming days but days after.
beth griffin
August 12, 2009
Such a lovely and wonderful child of God. Melissa so lovingly touched so many lives just as her whole family has done. I am so honored that God allowed my life and the lives of my children to intersect for a while with Melissa. God bless and comfort you, Mr and Mrs Hale. You raised such wonderful children.
lance mcdaniel
August 12, 2009
Mark and the entire Hale family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time.
August 12, 2009
Rob you are in my thoughts and prayers. She was so full of life and I enjoyed working with her.
Take Care and know that she is in God's hands now and all her pain is gone now.
In Christ's Love,
Bonnie C
Rhett & Andrea Burruss
August 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathies are with your family during this difficult time. Melissa was such a wonderful person with such a sweet disposition. She brightened any room she entered. She will be greatly missed.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and comfort you.
Elizabeth (Horton) Parker
August 12, 2009
Melissa always had a smile on her face a friendly word to say. She will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Suneeti, Rajan, and Meghna Iyer
August 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time. Melissa was the best friend anyone could ever have. We miss her terribly.
Daniel and Julie Evans
August 12, 2009
What a genuinely sweet and kind person Melissa was. We are praying for and thinking of her loved ones at such a difficult time.
Kim Carey
August 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Melissa was such a nice person with such a pretty smile. I enjoyed seeing her when she came to the bank. Kim Carey
Doris Thomas
August 12, 2009
My prayer are with you and your Family.God want a beautiful flower
he pick here she is at home at peace.much Love.
David Shadden
August 12, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Melissa's entire family. She always had a smile that would brighten up any room.
Jill Goode Bohman
August 12, 2009
Our sweet precious Melissa, your struggle has been long and as hard as it is for everyone you've left behind, your body is at peace. You have given us all such a special kind of love from just knowing you and being apart of your life. Yours and Rob's sweet daughter Macey is a blessing from above and you fought hard to bring her into this world. She will be loved even more as she is such a reflection of you in so many many way.
I pray for the family as they struggle through this very hard time. May God be with you all and help you through this together.
The night sky's will be brighter tonight and always as her shining star of love watch's over her loving family and friends.
God blessing be with you, today and always.
Aunt Jill
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes West Chapel
August 12, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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