Melissa Arettia Henry
(January 6, 1947 - June 25, 2017)
Melissa Arettia Henry, born to Carl and Louise Smith in Venice Florida on January 6, 1947, went home to be with the Lord June 25, 2017. Melissa was a devoted wife and loving mother who brought good to all those she met. She always thought of others before thinking of herself and embodied Proverbs 31 as a wife with noble character. Melissa enjoyed traveling the countryside, embarking on mission trips where she could spread the Gospel and extend her hands to the needy. Most of all, Melissa enjoyed fellowship with friends and above all family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Horace Smith (infant) Betty Crawford, Mildred Jenkins, Juanita Teasley, and Bobby Smith, and son-in-Law Timothy McManus. Melissa is survived by her husband Bruce, Sisters Doris Watridge of Mississippi, and Deborah Crossland of Arkansas, and 1 brother Johnny Smith of Fayetteville, North Carolina, (2) daughters Anita Cook and husband Tommy of Wesson MS, Wendy Ruff and husband Shawn of Port Charlotte FL, and (1) son Bryan Henry and wife Nicole of Wesley Chapel FL, and (2) stepchildren Chrystal Ortiz and Bruce W. Henry of San Antonio TX. (5) grandchildren Amanda Woodson, Kaitlynn and Kyle Ruff, Courtney Swain, CJ Medina, and Matthew Ortiz, and (5) great-grandchildren; Emileigh, Madalyn, and Ava Grayce Woodson, Sophie and Noah Swain.