Melissa Marie Willman

The world lost an awesome princess on Dec. 9, 2010, when God called Melissa home. Melissa Marie (Johnson) Willman, age 36, was the kindest mother, dearest daughter, most terrific sister and a very loving wife. She endeared everyone with her sweet smile and caring laugh. God took our best relative, best neighbor and best friend when he took Melissa.

Melissa (Malisa) was born to Robert and Constance (Puroll) Dullock on Jan. 11, 1974. She graduated from Bullock Creek High School in Midland in 1992 in the top 10 percent of her class. Melissa loved to play basketball, one of the first Bullock Creek girls to play from grades five through 12. She enjoyed sports, cheerleading, 4-H and her many friends in high school. She was a co-op for The Dow Chemical Co., both in high school and college. Melissa first attended Saginaw Valley State University and then transferred to the University of Madison in Wisconsin, where she earned a bachelor's degree in materials science and interior design.

After graduation, she worked for Marshall Erdman Designs in Madison. She then returned to Michigan as owner and manager of two Hallmark stores, Malisa's in Traverse City and Connie's in Cadillac. Later she worked for Alger Sales as a retail representative. She had 61 lines, knew all of her customers and was a gracious and upbeat salesperson. She will be missed!

Melissa's greatest joy in life was being the mother of Faith Marie, age seven-and-a-half, and Haley Ann, almost six. Every night Melissa tucked the girls into bed with this poem, "I love you, you love me. I love you (Faith Marie or Haley Ann), with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you. I love you, and you love me, too." She kept fighting for one more day to be with her girls. As sick as she was, Melissa kept focus on her girls' education, church activities, dance, sports and friendships.

Melissa was very endeared to her only sister, Julianne, all of her life, sharing good times and bad, giving and taking advice and being inseparable. What one didn't think of, the other did! As a daughter, Melissa aimed to please her parents and keep them happy. She was very sweet. Her mother told her to keep a smile on her face, and she will have a happy day. Her smile lit up the room. She was a very respectful, loving and caring daughter.

As a wife, Melissa, and her husband, Dave showed many outward signs of love. Melissa knew her agenda and set her goals, and as a team, they always worked everything out. Dave stood tirelessly by his wife and remains eternally grateful for their awesome time together.

Melissa was a terrific cook, creating many recipes from natural and organic foods. None could match her talents in the kitchen. Melissa told her mom that making delicious meals every night was a sure way to show her family she loved them.

Melissa and her family moved to their new home five months ago. She designed and oversaw to every detail as project manager. Melissa always did everything to perfection. She was very proud of how she could use her college expertise to create this home for the family. She and her family felt extremely welcome in their new neighborhood on Stoneridge Drive in Traverse City. The people there were very supportive of her family by providing meals, day care and other acts of kindness during her brief time there.

Melissa's two hobbies were collecting Precious Moments figurines and Department 56, the North Pole Series. During the holidays her home was always decorated, only second place to Bronners. This year, she and Dave had a yard full of lights and figurines as well as a home that was completely decorated. She loved the holidays. Melissa paid attention to every detail to give her girls the perfect Christmas. And, God called her home during this beautiful time of year.

Melissa fought a valiant battle against cancer for 11 years. She researched every med, study, diet option and care facility to help herself live as long as possible. She also offered advice to others experiencing cancer.

Melissa was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, receiving six of the seven sacraments. Most recently, she attended Bay Pointe Community Church.

Melissa is survived by her daughters, Faith Marie Johnson and Haley Ann Johnson; her husband, Dave Willman; and her parents, Robert and Constance Dullock. She is also survived by her only sister, Dr. Julianne Knowles and her husband, Kevin and their children, Ashtyn and Kelton Knowles, who affectionately called their aunt MeMe. She leaves her mother-in-law, Darlene Willman; sisters-in-law, Diane Willman and Pam Lavender; and her aunt, Betty Simon. She is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Puroll and Dullock sides of the family, as well as longtime family friends, Henry and Ann Pi, and Kris and Bill St. Onge. She leaves behind her best friends, Jamie Stock Kline (25-year friendship), Claudia Okna and Lisa Green. Melissa had countless relatives and friends whose lives she touched in a special way.

Melissa and her family are eternally grateful to all the wonderful people who assisted her on her journey, Dr. Kaur of Mayo Clinic and Dr. Kohler in Traverse City, as well as their staff, Dr Madion; the people who sponsored her three major fund raisers, the teachers at the schools who cared for her children, the thousands of prayers offered for her, the flowers, meals, cards and your many acts of kindness. She was so thankful and felt your tender touch. Everyone who shared in Melissa's life was important to her. She hoped you knew that. May our precious princess be at peace.

Visitation will take place Thursday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, from 5-8 p.m., at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Rather than sadness, Melissa requested a celebration to honor her life. The celebration of Melissa's life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Bay Pointe Community Church, 6880 Secor Road, Traverse City, with visitation being held at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, it was her wish to set up an educational fund for Faith and Haley. The memorial fund to benefit Faith and Haley has been established at Chemical Bank, ATT: Melissa Willman Memorial Fund, 2009 South Saginaw Road, Midland, MI 48640. Envelopes will be available from the funeral home.

Please share your favorite memory of Melissa with her family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.