Melanie died unexpectedly in Stockbridge, GA on March 20th, 2024 at the age of 47 years old from unknown causes. This has been a devastating loss. Melanie was born August 7th, 1976 in Defiance, OH. However, she spent her life in Port Saint Lucie, FL until moving to Monroe, GA in 2023.

Melanie met her husband Henry Ford in 2001 and they married 1 year later on November 30th, 2002. After marriage, Melanie and Henry made the decision to become foster parents after having difficulties with conceiving. In 2006, they began their foster journey. From 2006 until 2016, Melanie and Henry fostered 59 children and adopted 6 of those children. This more than fulfilled Melanie's dream of being a mom and she was able to bring so much light into the lives of so many different children.

The 6 children Melanie and Henry adopted became her entire world. The children all have various forms of special needs but Melanie made being a special needs mother look easy. She was always going above and beyond to provide the love and care the children needed. She was always fighting for their rights and resources. She would always talk about how proud she was of them and how much she loved being their mom.

Melanie was an angel on earth. Anyone who met her would tell you how big her heart was. She was so caring and gentle. She never met a stranger, she was so friendly with anyone she met. She made a huge impact in the foster community in Florida. Her and Henry spoke at a foster convention for statewide campaigns for the adoption program in Florida. She truly was a rock for their family.

Melanie worked in accounting for many years, but spent the last 6 years of her life being a dedicated stay-at-home mother and homeschooling her children. She took so much pride in her family and their education. Melanie was extremely reliant on her faith and truly believed that God had made this her calling. On top of this, she also owned and ran her own company, LimeTime Infusion, where she did various vinyl creations and also created products using essential oils. Her and Henry also opened up their own trucking company, Sirbigrig Trucking.

Melanie is survived by her husband Henry Ford; her six children Franklin Ford (19), Henry James Ford (17), Laurilye Ford (16), Khion Ford (10), Kwan Ford (5), and Tatianna Ford (2); her parents, Nelson and Valerie Roddy; her sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Adrian Russell Robinson; her nieces, Vanessa Bailey, Aaliyah Robinson, and Ayanna Robinson; as well as her great-nieces Ivey Bailey, Cataleya Bailey, Aspyn Bailey, Kenzlee Robinson, and Avah Johnson; and her great-nephews Zayden Robinson and Ezra Robinson. She is also survived by an aunt and many cousins throughout the states of Florida and Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to one of Mel's favorite charities which are the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, St. Judes Children's Hospital, your local humane society in her memory or you can donate to her families GoFundMe at

https://gofund.me/1192fe56

ZOOM INFO:

https://zoom.us/j/2294270822?pwd=V0ovbUNwL1lQVWtVclcyNHJLWncxQT09

ID: 229 841 2176

PW: 075700