Melanie Scott

In Loving Memory of Melanie Ann Milner-Scott

Daughter. Sister. Cousin. Friend. Wife. Mother. Nurse.

Melanie was all of these-and so much more.

She was a force of nature, a woman who worked hard even through pain and illness. She didn't stop, didn't quit. That grit? She got it from Daddy.

Melanie loved with everything she had. She didn't hold grudges-at least not for long-and if she did, well, it was probably deserved. That deep, forgiving heart? She got it from Mama.

She loved the Lord, but let's be honest-she had a mouth on her. That came straight from the Culverhouse side. She'd say the most outrageous things, call you awful names, but never with malice. Always with that big, crooked smile. And somehow, you'd find yourself coming back for more.

Melanie was the keeper of our childhood memories. Things Cheryl or I had long forgotten, she remembered in vivid detail. She was our family's storyteller, our historian. We talked several times a week. And by "talked," I mean we laughed-mostly about something ridiculous she said or did. Because obviously I never said or did anything stupid. I was Mom and Dad's favorite. And since Melanie's not here to argue, I win. (Shut your pie-hole, Cheryl.)

Melanie lived life fully. She made mistakes, took detours down some scary roads, but God's grace always led her back. Her faith was fierce, even when life wasn't easy.

But the greatest loves of Melanie's life were her sons: Regan, DJ, and Dawson. She raised them on her own, through struggle and sacrifice, always trying her best. She didn't always get it right, but she never stopped trying. And she never, ever stopped loving them. You were her world. She was so proud of you. She carried guilt for the burdens you bore, but she would want you to dream big, chase those dreams, and live large, beautiful lives. For her-but more importantly, for yourselves.

To her patients who became part of her heart and her world, Melanie loved you deeply. She shared so many stories about you that I feel like I know you too. And I know you share in our heartbreak.

To all our family and friends-thank you. Thank you for loving Melanie, for sharing your stories, for laughing and crying with us. She was joy. She was laughter. And laughter is healing. So laugh at the memories, cry for the loss-but most of all, celebrate that she was here. How lucky are we to have had her in our lives?