Melissa Byers Rhodes went home to heaven on September 2, 2019, at the age of 46, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Melissa was from Woodstock, GA and recently resided in Palmer and Kenai, AK.

Melissa was born to David and Faye Byers on January 26, 1973. As a child, she loved nothing more than spending her days outdoors, at play.

She was an adventurer at heart. Melissa loved hiking, camping, kayaking, repelling and ropes courses and she sought out the most majestic of God's creation that this country has to offer, in enjoying these activities. After high school, she worked in New Mexico at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, attended college in Colorado, moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in her late twenties and returned to Alaska just a few years ago.

In addition to outdoor activities, Melissa delighted in painting, knitting and sewing.
Also, she and her beloved husband, Scott, greatly enjoyed spending time with their many lifelong friends. If Melissa wasn't outdoors or working on an art project, she was laughing and having fun, in the company of others.

Melissa spent the majority of her career at The Home Depot, where she was a highly valued and loved employee and friend to many. Prior to her illness, she was selected to participate in Advanced Leadership Development, as well as the Women in Leadership program. While in Alaska, she hosted a dozen international students, each summer, who worked as temporary employees. She was their "U.S. Mom." She ensured they had a safe place to live and planned outdoor trips and outings, to learn about our U.S. culture. Melissa also impacted the lives of many people through her human resources role with The Home Depot. So many have shared how she touched their lives by helping them plan and develop their career paths. While others stated that she was an inspiration through her love of service projects and willingness to serve fellow employees when they found themselves in a time of need.

Melissa was a person of very strong faith in Jesus Christ, praising Him and leaning on Him through it all. Melissa lived her life to the fullest and overcame great obstacles, as a kidney transplant recipient and in her fight against cancer. She was a true inspiration, described as a warrior, a fighter, and a bright and shining light, by so many.

In addition to her parents, David and Faye Byers of Woodstock, GA, Melissa is survived by her husband Scott of Palmer, Alaska; sister, Pamela Byers Felice; niece and nephew, Amelia and Joseph Felice, of Round Pond, Maine and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21 at Darby's Funeral Home in Canton, GA. Visitation with the family will be held from noon to 2:00, with service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow, for family and closest friends, at Chalcedonia Baptist Church, Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Judes Children's Hospital.
You can watch the Webcast of the Memorial Service at darbyfuneralhome.com, or by using the following link: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1025007