Melissa Ann Dabney (53), formerly of Beaverdam, departed this life to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital. Melissa was born March 21, 1968, the middle of three children, to Mrs. Gloria (nee Thomas) and the late Deacon Hazel E. Dabney. Melissa was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, Sylvester (nee Anderson) and David Dabney Sr., Thelma (nee Terrell) and Robert Thomas Sr., one uncle, Warren Dabney, two aunts, Linda Ruffin and Barbara Thomas, and one cousin, Keith Prince, Sr.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at St. James Baptist Church, Beaverdam, VA. Melissa received her formal education in Hanover County Public Schools where she was an active member of 4-H in addition to the softball and basketball teams. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1987.

Melissa was a life-long nurturer who loved children. She was employed as a nanny and caregiver of several children until her health began to decline. Into her heart she adopted Clark and Mary Pace Lewis, Carolyn Pratt, John and Virginia Ballowe as her own.

Melissa enjoyed spending quality time with her extended family, taking naps, car rides, talking with others, laughing, and dancing. She was an experienced yard-saler and consignment shopper. Melissa had an eye for detail and an impeccably vivid memory. Often, she reminisced on days gone by while offering descriptions filled with every characteristic, including the people in attendance and all aspects of their attire. She always found significant dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, and phone numbers of family and friends hidden within the daily lottery. Recently, she spent her days adoring her grandchildren and great-nieces and -nephews. Melissa constantly thought of and checked-in on others, as evidenced by her call logs. She was an advocate and friend of young parents.

She was a dedicated daughter who cherished her mother. Melissa always looked for opportunities to care for and support her mother, knickknacks to buy her, and ways to spend time together – like their renowned girls’ nights.

Melissa loved her children and never missed an opportunity to tell others of her love for them. She was a doting and tender grandmother to her grandchildren, who affectionately refer to her as “Nini”. She was especially fond of her niece (Deja) and nephews (Tony Jr., Terrence, Davian, Darian, Marcus, and Randi). Melissa shared a significant and irreplaceable bond with many, of note, her favorite uncle, Clyde Dabney.

Ms. Dabney leaves a legacy that will be carried on through her family and friends that will never be forgotten. She was loved dearly and will be missed greatly. She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, three children, Anthony Jr., Ashley, and Andre (Marteisha Johnson), their father, Anthony Starke Sr., one bonus son, Dazmond Starke, two grandchildren, Asher and Lauren, one sister, Tina Johnson (Wayland), one brother, Haywood Dabney (Darshae), two aunts, Regina Bray (Rev. Karl) and Marie Iverson, seven uncles, Robert Jr. and Lorenzo Thomas, David (Patricia), Clyde (Alice), James, Allen (Tara), and Craig Dabney, a devoted friend, Marilyn Coleman, seven great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.

Melissa was certainly one of a kind. She found joy in helping others, often prioritizing her concerns for their wellbeing above her own. Though she is no longer with us, and we miss her sorely, we give thanks to God for her life and the loving memories she leaves behind.