Melissa Catherine Smith “Lisa” Means, age 42 of Gaylesville, passed away Friday, July 4th at her residence.
Graveside services will be 1 PM Monday, July 7th at Cherokee Memory Gardens with Father Mark Spruill and Deacon Stu Neslin officiating.
Survivors include son, Ripley A. Means of Gaylesville; mother, Nancy Smith Terry and step-father of 18 years, Bobby G. Terry of Gaylesville; brother, J.R. Smith and his fiancée Jennifer Grogan Whaley & her daughter, Shelby Whaley of Gaylesville; step-brother, Brent (Angie) Terry of Cave Spring; step-aunts & uncles, Harlan & Dean Terry, Bill & Becky Terry and Elsie Haigwood; chosen brother, Shawn Kilgro; grandfather, Earnest C. Pledger of Cave Spring; uncles, Dennis Pledger of Cave Spring, Dr. Sam J. Smith of Durant, OK; great aunt, Lue Norton; several cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Morgan Smith and grandmother, Catherine Owens Pledger.
Mrs. Means was a native of Floyd County, GA, a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome, GA and a graduate of JSU in nursing and psychology, where she earned a master’s degree. She worked for 10 years as a child and adolescent therapist. She loved children and counseling and her son. She had been ill for many years and had traveled extensively over the United States. She was told by doctors that she could not have children because of her multiple illnesses. But, she had a miracle baby,” Ripley”, when she was stationed in Hawaii, and her illness went into remission. Her kindness and generosity will be greatly missed by her only son, her family and friends.
Perry Funeral Home Directing.