Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl from 2:00pm until 3:00pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm.
Melissa was born November 24, 1969 in Jackson, Mississippi, just in time to be the turkey baby to her parents, Judy Morgan Hooper and the late Donald R. Hooper. She lived her entire life in Pearl.
After working office jobs, Melissa chose to pursue a career in nursing. She attended night classes at Hinds, juggling a job and a three year old child at the same time. Melissa worked as an RN for several years, then found her dream job. She conducted medical reviews from home, in her nightgown, and could deal with her three head-strong girls.
Melissa was a joy, sometimes a headache, to her family and friends. Her sarcastic humor and quick wit, often unsolicited, will be greatly missed. She loved everyone and was a rock for her close friends. She shined most when reaching out to others in their time of need. Melissa is now dancing with her dad while Dianne watches and laughs from afar.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Hooper and step-mother, Dianne Hooper. Survivors are her mother, Judy Hooper; second father, Wayne Perkins "Glass"; sister, Michelle Porter; brother-in-law, Russ Porter; three step-sisters, Tracy Pouty, Beth Brown, Rhonda Ezell; three beautiful daughters, Kristen Vanderford, Brooklyn Paxton, and Sarah Miller; acquired son, Marcus Morris; a pack of unruly grandchildren, Kyler Vanderford, Holden Webb, Brinley Paxton, and Jaxsyn McAlpine; niece, Riley Ellis; nephew, Evan Ellis; and her beloved companion, Sage.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
