Makayla Marie Melton

Makayla Melton, 17, of Elliston, gave up her earthly angel wings for her eternal ones when she was taken to be with Jesus on Friday, August 19, 2016. Surrounded by family and friends and in her mothers arms, she very peacefully entered into her forever home. After a lifelong fight some may have questioned her quality of life, maybe even her purpose, but those who were around her would come away realizing just her pure existence exceeded any questions they had. During her time here on Earth, many may have viewed her as frail or sick. The reality was she was strong and determined. Makayla persevered and overcame continuous obstacles, many that were even deemed by some impossible, enduring a life of mountains to climb, yet, never complaining. KKs sweet, yet strong-willed spirit, never went unnoticed, but was ever present. Even on her toughest of days she allowed just enough smiles to let it be known everything was going to be okay. The question was recently asked about her occupation, as this was required for this specific document. Makayla never had a job; this goes without saying, but she was certainly given a mighty calling on her life. God chose her to lead us by example with her extraordinary life: to lean not on our own understanding, but to always have faith in Him, and to never take one single thing for granted. To know for everything there is a reason. KK helped us to see a slower-paced life. A life that can change at any given moment. The ability to not only adjust to our given circumstances, but to find joy and pleasure in them, and treasure those moments. She made it clear that the real value of life can never be placed on anything that can be bought, but only on the things we have already been blessed with. We just have to love and nurture these with patience and kindness that never fails. For the task of touching lives, bringing people closer together, closer to God, and helping them to find it in themselves to want to be a better person. These all were a part of her life long occupation. A title to believe to be one of Gods angels here on Earth. Despite the challenges, surgeries, and many illnesses over the years, she made lots of memories! Although sleeping in late and watching TV were two of her favorite pastimes, she was a busy girl for most of her life, only to slow down in recent years. She enjoyed crazy silly noises, the lights being out, and her head being scratched. She loved being held, yes, even at 17, and being read to. Disney World was definitely one of her favorite places. Makayla had a love for the ocean! She enjoyed everything that came with it. Being in the ocean air was her little paradise. Makayla, a proud Mustang, was a senior at Eastern Montgomery High School, and has had the most awesome friends from pre-school on. For that we are grateful. Congratulations to her and to the rest of the Class of 2017! This is your year! She is already partying in Heaven! She was preceded in death by her great-grandfathers, Morris Jones and Ed Melton; aunt, Connie Richardson Clayton; uncle, Gary Jones; and grandfather, Michael Richardson. Those left to carry on and continue to share her story are her parents, David and Karla Melton; stepdad, David Neuhs; best friend, sister, and caretaker, Morgan Lynn, whom Makayla shared a bond with like no other; rowdy little brother, Hunter, who ensured she was always entertained and helped everyone to laugh through the good times and the bad; grandparents, David and Ginny Melton, Robert and Carolyn Blanchard, and Betty and Eli Rose; great-grandparents, Mary Melton, Evelyn Jones, John and Jean Richardson, Virginia Mabry, and Pat Blanchard. Also very close to her was her aunt, Lease Smith and husband, Jason; cousins, McKenna and Derek; uncle, Thomas; aunt, Cindy; god-sister, Alyssa Sampson; special friends, RJ and Crystal Sampson and Matt and Jaime Eskridge and their families; step-siblings, Summer Pate and husband, James, and Janie Morton and husband, Matt; and aunts and uncles, Doug and Liz Jones, Butch and Mary Jones, Sharon Jones, Rick and Jackie Neuhs, Dan and Lori Blanchard, Mark Blanchard, Paul and Isabell Blanchard, Willie and Kathy McBride, Don Melton, Rodney Melton, and Roger and Rhonda Melton. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to JoBeth Brown who not only walked this journey with us, but chose to be more than a nurse for our daughter as a friend and family member to all of us and Sissys craziest friend ever! Special thanks also goes out to the CRCH PICU and PEDS staff, Dr. Pandy, Dr. Tiffany, Dr. Miller, Dr. Sisk, Dr. Tamez, Robert and Vanessa Hedge, Rev. Richard Brown, Physicians to Children and Dr. Johnson, Dr. Thomas Kayrouz, Interim Healthcare, Judy Epperly and other nursing help over the years, Nacol Sutphin and PRA, MCPS and staff, especially Judy Kessinger, Denise OBryan, Jenny Brown, Elisa Boyle, and so many more! IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!!! There are never enough words to express the appreciation we will forever have in our hearts for the outpouring of love and genuine compassion over the past 17 years from our community, individuals, church, schools, and more. In no way could everyone be named, but God knows and may He bless you for any part, great or small, you had in our daughters life. A service celebrating Makaylas life will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in the Eastern Montgomery High School in Elliston with Rev. Richard Brown officiating. A period of visitation will follow until 9 p.m. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 7:30pm - 9:00pm,

Eastern Montgomery High School Auditorium

4695 Crosier Road Elliston, Virginia 24087

Service Information

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 6:30pm,

Eastern Montgomery High School Auditorium

4695 Crosier Road Elliston, Virginia 24087