Melissa Ann (Lee) Birk

Melissa Birk died on Sunday, September 22, 2024, after complications following a stroke in January, 2023. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas.

Melissa Ann Lee Birk was the daughter of James Travis and Mary Ann Walker Lee, both deceased, and was married to Robert Ernest Birk (deceased 2013) until their divorce in 1984.

Melissa is survived by her brother, Dr. James Travis Lee, Jr. of St. Paul, Minnesota, sons Eric Birk and his wife Bernadette Hoke of New York City, Dr. Lee Birk and his wife Ginger of Shannon, Patrick Birk of Burkburnett, Paul Birk of Farmers Branch, and grandchildren Ella, Tess, and Tate Birk.

Melissa was born in the Wichita Falls Clinic Hospital, graduated from Munday High School in Munday, Texas in 1957, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory from Midwestern State University in 1961, where she was an organ pupil of Dr. Nita Akin.

She served as a organist in numerous churches in and around Wichita Falls, including First Methodist in Wichita Falls (as assistant to Dr. Akin while a college student), First Presbyterian in Iowa Park, and Floral Heights United Methodist in Wichita Falls. In later years, she served as a substitute organist and guest accompanist for churches in the Wichita Falls area. A member of the Texhoma Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, she served as a dean until the chapter was disbanded in 2016. She also worked in Mary Kay sales, real estate with Re/Max in Wichita Falls, and was licensed in massage therapy.

Known for welcoming her children's friends to her home, she always remembered birthdays with a card and was known for her sweet smile. She collaborated with her mother, Mary Ann Lee, in the creation and preparation of music for the Munday, Texas Golden Jubilee celebration in 1956 while a teenager.

Melissa had been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Iowa Park, First Assembly of God of Wichita Falls, and Floral Heights United Methodist Church.

The family would like to acknowledge the dedicated staffs of Sheridan Medical Lodge in Burkburnett and Hospice of Wichita Falls for their patient care and kindness. Charitable donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Wichita Falls (howf.org/4909 Johnson Rd, Wichita Falls, TX 76310) or Faith Mission (faithmissionwf.org/P.O. Box 965, Wichita Falls, TX 76307).