Melissa J (Noriega) Atkinson

Melissa J Atkinson, age 69, of Brooksville, FL died on December 30, 2022. Born in Tampa, FL, on September 30, 1953 to the late Joseph V Noriega and Elvin Inez (Copeland) Noriega. Melissa moved to Brooksville, Masaryktown, and Hernando County when she married her husband of 51+ years Pastor Ned Atkinson. Melissa was a Southern Baptist and extremely active in the New Life Ministries. She held offices at the Secretary, Treasurer and Pastors wife, and caring for her family. She had also retired from the Pasco County School Board as a secretary. Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jay Byrd V, sister, Betty Jo Noriega, and son-in-law, Jay Byrd IV. Melissa is lovingly survived by her husband Pastor Ned Atkinson, sons; Benjamin L. (Rhonda N.) Atkinson, of Kingsland, GA, and Eric (Kristina) Atkinson of West Union, SC. Daughter, Nedra J Atkinson, of Brooksville, FL, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Melissa also leaves behind siblings; Joseph David (Vietta) Noriega of Brooksville, FL, George Jaccoud of New Jersey, Bobby Noriega, and John Ball, Nancy Horton, and Debbie Cermack, all of Tampa, FL. Funeral arrangements and care are under the direction of Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville. On Friday, January 6, 2023, Melissa’s family and friends will gather at the New Life Ministries, 13022 Hudson Avenue, Hudson, FL. 34669, from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. The Celebration Service will, begin at 4 PM, with Pastor Ned Atkinson officiating. A continuation of fellowship will follow the service at the churches fellowship hall.