Melissa Chaplin
July 13, 1966 - January 12, 2023
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Melissa Chaplin on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 56. Melissa was a loving wife, daughter, aunt, sister, mother, grandmother and godmother as well as a strong woman of faith.
Born in Albany, GA on July 13, 1966, she was a daughter of Dorothy Kegler and the late Willie Kegler. After graduating high school, she studied nursing at college. She then joined the U.S. Army where she completed eight years of honorable service in the U.S., Iraq and Germany. During her service she met her first husband, Johnny and they raised two children, Tomeka and Raphael.
Melissa married her second husband Alex in 2015, becoming a second mom to Jessica. During this time Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Liberty University. Alex and Melissa enjoyed a rich life together as empty nesters visiting and celebrating with family and friends in Georgia, Alabama, and the Northeast.
Melissa had a passion for shopping, decorating, and a keen eye for detail. She was a woman who defended what she believed in, fought for what she wanted and usually won. Melissa was a warrior who never gave in, never gave up and continued fighting until the last spark of life was gone. She held firm to her faith throughout. Though most will remember the fighter, Melissa would also give words of advice, encouragement, inspiration and show deep compassion to friends and those she held dear.
Melissa had one sister preceding her in death, Patricia. Melissa leaves behind to mourn her, her husband, Alex; children, Tomeka, Raphael and Jessica; mother, Dorothy; sister, Hattie; brothers, Rodriguez, Demetrius, Yardley and Francis; and many other family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 5 pm on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 5 pm. A committal service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. The family respectfully asks that no photos or video be taken. Masks are optional.
Any family or friends who are unable to attend the service for Melissa may live stream the funeral service by clicking here.
Annette and ozell Mackey
Melissa you will be missed I am so glad that we talk on new year day
We told each other that we love each other didn’t no that will be the last time we could say that to each other (RIH) Melissa you will never be forgotten
Jeanette and Family
Rest on my cousin going to miss you. We will met again in heaven Love ❤️ you🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Passion Williams
Auntie…..My heart is sad. I’ll miss texting you and giving you hair growth tips. I’ll miss you asking me how john and the kids are. I’ll miss sharing those little moments that at the time felt like normal life but now I wish I had more of. I love you and I know you are not physically here with us anymore but your memory will live on eternally.
Riccardo
Sister Johnson you will be missed a great friend and an awesome prayer warrior
ROBERT SCOTT
Melissa, my sister…we went through almost every change biological brothers and sisters go through. Laughing and fussing. Strong and vulnerable. Sweet and mean, my big sister. I love you sis.
Zenovia Wilcox
Sending heartfelt prayers to Sis. Melissa’ husband (Alex), children, and extended family. Sis. Melissa was a fun loving person who always had words of encouragement for others. Praying God will comfort your hearts now and in the days to come. Sis. Zenovia Wilcox & Family.
Donna Gill
My sincere condolences to Alex, Tomeka & Raphael. I pray comfort in your grief. My prayers go out to you all.
Shelly
Melissa, I’ll miss you calling for me to make your favorite dish or just to check on the family. No more pain, sleep on my sister. Deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Shelly and family
Nichole Smith
Melissa, we traveled together many times and shared the Word, and moments of laughter. You were so crazy! I remember when we went to CGC Charlotte and you drove my car 90 mph thinking I was asleep. I can’t believe you’re gone. My sincerest condolences to your husband, Tomeka and Raphael. Additionally to Ashleigh and your Godchild.
Becca Weatherly
Sis Melissa,
The first time I met you I felt like we already knew each other. We cut up like old friends even though we had just met! I always look back on that time fondly and the few times I saw you after that, you were so sweet, funny, and encouraging. Thank you for shining your light! You will be missed, but I know you are up there with Jesus! Do a dance for me on “God’s great dance floor”! 😉
Les & Karin Chaplin
Melissa, my dear sister in law, although we met only once on your vacation to England with Alex, we did have lots of fun and laughs then as you met the Scottish and English side of your extended family; going forward we were able to chat often on the phone, you were always upbeat, cheerful and so positive. You will be much missed, but for ever in our memories and thoughts.
Daphny Hayes & William Hayes
My Friend, I’ll miss the talks, laughter, hopes and dreams, oh and breakfast sandwiches and pound cake, we shared with each other since 1992. You ran your race well. Rest in Jesus. We love you much ❤️.
Blanche Siler
I knew Melissa in Ramstein Germany where we fellowship at Christ Gospel Intl. What a wonderful Sister in the Lord! Rest Melissa Rest!🌹
Deirdra
Sending condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Kimberly M Coleman
If I ever needed to laugh, Sister Melissa would always know what to say. I will forever miss your beautiful smile and eyes that would light up any room. Rest in your glorified body. I love you.
The Samuels Family (Germany)
Dear Tamika & Raphael. Our condolences to both of you and your family on the passing of your mom. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter the age. We pray that The Lord Jesus will grant you both peace and comfort in this time of sadness. God bless. Much love and hugs.
Mike, Fran, Darnell & Darren Samuels
Cristol Johnson
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
William Chaplin and Faith Kirk
Thanks to Sandy and Melissa for giving us such a fantastic time during our stay with you. Melissa was such a sweet attentive host. We had a wonderful time with you and have had fun since when we have spoken to you both over the phone across the pond. Her loss has been a terrible shock for Sandy and the family and our hearts go out to you all at this sad time. Deepest condolences to Sandy and family
Kimberly M Coleman
May the Peace of God keep the hearts and minds of her precious husband, Alex and her children Tomeka, Raphael, Jessica and Lauren.
Renee Rouse
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Will keep the family in my prayers.
Fosters
You all are always in our daily prayers. We thank God for the honor of knowing your family. Our prayer will be that you rest in God’s Grace and allow Him to comfort you and take you through this time of grief. Warm hugs and Love, The. Fosters
Tracey Miles
Sis Melissa your beautiful smile and warm heart will be missed. Rest in heaven until we meet again in Jesus name.
John and Brenda Henderson
Tamika, Rafael and family
Our heart was sadden upon hearing about Sis Melissa. We are praying for the family. We fellowship in Ramstein Germany
Johnson Family (Ramstein, Germany)
Tomeka and Raphael we were saddened to hear about your mom’s passing. May God grant you and your family peace and understanding during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you all.
The Johnsons
Beverly Bryant
My condolences to Tomeka, Raphael and family. It was a joy to have been your Pastor in Germany. I pray that the peace, love and joy be with you in this time. My prayers for you continue.
Sophia Addison
I send my condolences, prayers, and love to all of the love ones of Melissa. Melissa and I met in Germany back in 1993 and stayed connected throughout the years. We traveled quite a bit of this spiritual journey together. We had a lot of good times together. She fought a good fight and kept the faith. I never heard her complain about pain. She was truly a mighty solider in God’s army. I will continue to pray for God to bring you all through your season of mourning. Precious in the site of the Lord is a he death of His saints.
Raphael Johnson
Rest in peace you were the best mom I could ever have.
Khanal Family
Our condolences to Alex and the family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.