Melissa Nichole Childs went to be with our Lord on January the 11th at the age of 40. She was born on July 23,1984 in Panama City Florida.  Her family called her "Nikki" and her friends called her "Melissa." Melissa served her country for 9 years when she enlisted in the United States Army  in 2006 and was in United States Army Reserves. She also served others as she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Seabreeze Nursing Home, Glen Cove Nursing Home, and Pruitt Nursing Home.  Melissa's eyes were as blue as the sky. She had a heart of gold as shown by her love of animals and people. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lula Hightower and grandfather, Donald Hightower. Melissa was survived by her partner, Brandon Skipper. She was also survived by her two sons, Jaylen Skipper, 12 years of age, and Jackson Childs,16 years of age. Melissa was also survived by her mother, Maureen Frost; stepfather, Joey Kennington; father, Dennis Hightower and stepmother Debbie Hightower. She was also survived by many aunts and uncles including Patricia Wheeler (Kevin Wheeler), Sander Limmer, Maura Pratt (Allen Pratt), Leann Fairbanks (Michael Fairbanks), Terry Hightower (Mary Hightower), Donna Melvin, grandmother Ursula Puzek and grandfather Michael Puzek . She was also survived by many cousins. Melissa will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.  Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.

"Psalms 23.4 Ye thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me."