Melanie Elise Odom, 41, of Bay Springs, MS, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. She was born Thursday, April 13, 1978 in Hattiesburg, MS.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs and again on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Bay Springs.  Funeral services will follow at the church at 11:00 AM.  A private family graveside service will follow at Bay Springs City Cemetery. Bro. James Sprayberry and Bro. Troy Rayner will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. (601) 764-2181

Melanie was a lifelong resident of Bay Springs, MS and a 1996 honor graduate of Sylva Bay Academy. Melanie continued her education at Jones Junior College and obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She worked at TEC of Bay Springs in accounting and customer care for more than 20 years. She was a faithful member of First Baptist church and was so very thankful for their love, support, and prayers.

Melanie was a devoted and loving mother to her son Brayden, her pride and joy. She was his protector, constant encourager, toughest teacher, and loudest cheerleader. She loved being a mother and always made sure he knew how much he was cherished by her. Throughout her painful struggle with cancer, he gave her strength and purpose to fight on each and every day.

Melanie was the cherished daughter of Jacky and Teresa and loving sister to her brother Chad and his wife Erica. She was a proud sister, but she also delighted in reminding him frequently that she was the only one with a championship ring for winning the 1996 state basketball title! He would then quickly tell her it was because he taught her everything! Erica, whom she loved with all her heart, was her confidant and huge supporter. Her role as Aunt to Mallory, Abby, and Micah was fiercely loving and involved. She was so proud of them and encouraged them in every way. They always knew she was going to be the loudest cheerleader and one of their proudest supporters. Laine had her love and approval to join the family as Mallory's husband!  That was not an easy accomplishment! Melanie had special loving relationships with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She knew how much they love, prayed, and supported her. Her love for her family was unconditional.

Melanie was blessed to have some wonderful friends who gave her so much love and support.  She was loyal, supportive, and at times brutally honest but always fun loving.

Melanie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age, and He gifted her with a beautiful singing voice. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter will certainly be missed by all who knew her. Those of us who put their faith and trust in Jesus can look forward to seeing her and being with her again one day.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, M.L. Husbands and W.E. and Betty Odom; cousins, Tyson Brown and Anthony Odom and stepsister Laurie R Blakeney.

Survivors include her son, Brayden Kyle Hearn, Bay Springs, MS; father, Jacky E. Odom (Karen), Bay Springs, MS; mother, Teresa Husbands Odom, Bay Springs, MS; brother, Chad M. Odom (Erica), Bay Springs, MS; grandmother, Juanita Clark Husbands, Bay Springs, MS; nieces, Mallory Odom Jordan (Laine), Bay Springs, MS, Abigail R. Odom, Bay Springs, MS; nephew, Micah E. Odom, Bay Springs, MS; step-brother, Samuel K. Blakeney, his wife, Makenzi and daughter, Blayre, Bay Springs, MS and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Larry Parker, Mason Parker, Cade Williamson, Laine Jordan, Curt Shumock and Gabe McNeil.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church – Youth at P.O. Drawer O, Bay Springs, MS 39422.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com