Melissa Thomas

Melissa Kaye Thomas was born February 5, 1977, to the late Rodger Ellis Felp Smith Sr. and mother Ollie “Rosie” Smith. Melissa was called home on November 2, 2025. Melissa was loved by everyone she knew. Melissa was a light and had a smile that brightened any room. To know her was to truly love her and to know that she loved you too. If you ever came in contact with Melissa, she made sure to stop and talk. Her genuine spirit, effortless smile, and contagious laugh could brighten any day.

Melissa received her GED and was a State Tested Nursing Assistant for many years. Her last residing job was at Speedway in Columbus, Ohio. After a long day, what she enjoyed most was relaxing, watching her favorite TV shows The Golden Girls and Law & Order, and taking a moment to herself. In her special times, she loved going on cruises and shopping. Most of all, she loved spending time with all her grandchildren.

Her mother, who was her best friend, enjoyed their daily calls and making sure she was taken care of. She was the best sister to her brothers, who assisted in family matters and always engaged in fun activities to do with family and hearts to hearts. She was given the lifelong nickname “Lissy” by her mother.

Melissa’s three sons were spoiled with love; every day she celebrated them.

Melissa loved her family. Nothing compared to a day or night with her cousins. The laughs would start immediately and go through the night, sharing memories and laughter. There was never a dull moment with Quaina, Trevia, Takara, Ashly, Oscar, and her late cousin Robert. Melissa also adored her aunt Carol and aunt Tina fully.

Aside from her immediate family, there were her special sisters: Kamesha Raglin, Denee’a Jackson, Ronda James, Karmiya Moxley, and the late Kenyonna Moxley. Melissa had a love for traveling with her special sisters.

She is loved and cherished by her mother, Ollie “Rosie” Smith; brother Rodger Ellis Felp Jr.; sons Daron Taylor (Idameka), LaCario Taylor (Storm) and JaQuan Brown — all of Mansfield, Ohio; grandchildren Jeremiah Mack of Columbus, Ni’yeir, Genesis, and Ke’monie of Mansfield; special nephew Manny, who lived with her in Columbus, Ohio; nephews and nieces Matthew Lara of Columbus, Ohio, Rakaysha Smith, Rogiana Smith, Rodger Smith III, and RahJanae Smith, all of Mansfield, Ohio. Aunts and uncles: Carol Thomas, Tina Thomas, Albert Thomas, Earl Thomas, Jamery Jennings, Lesia (Clifton) Patton, Regina (Rafael) Dixon. Great aunts: Willia Mingle (Aunt Boot), Queen Gardner. Bonus uncle: Uncle Charlie.

She is preceded in death by her father, Rodger Ellis Felp Smith Sr., and brother Thomas Michael Smith. Paternal grandparents: Felp Smith (Smitty) and Alice Smith. Maternal grandparents: Johnnie B. and Mary Thomas. Uncles: Johnnie Thomas Jr. (Bebe) and Michael Fletcher. Aunt: Mary Elders. Cousins: Robert Thomas, Geneva (Kay) Smith, and Bobby Hess.