Melissa Ross

Melissa Ren Ross

Henderson, TN: Melissa Ren Ross age 65 passed away October 8, 2025 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Born on May 8, 1960, in Henderson, she was the daughter of the late Willie Mae Johnson Ross and David Tucker Ross. Melissa graduated from Chester County High School in 1978 and attended Freed–Hardeman University, where she served as director of the sophomore class skit for Makin’ Music and was a member of the Pied Pipers, a traveling children’s theatrical group. She earned a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics in 1982 and later pursued MBA studies at Christian Brothers University.

Following graduation, Melissa joined Federal Express (FedEx) as an early software engineer on the development team for the company’s first package tracking system.

Throughout her life, Melissa championed children’s education and youth development. She served as Vacation Bible School (VBS) director at multiple churches, PTO president at Parkview Montessori Magnet School, assistant coach for several recreation and school sports teams, and a private tutor in mathematics and general education. She was also an active voice for parents across the Jackson–Madison County School System until 2010.

Melissa is survived by her brother, David Keith Ross of Jackson; her son, Henry Ross Kilpatrick of Jackson; and her granddaughter, Adaline of Jackson; as well as her former husband, Marlin Elbon Kilpatrick of Kissimmee, Florida, and her long-term companion, Paul Stanley Smith of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Mae Johnson Ross and David Tucker Ross.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Shackelford Funeral Directors - Casey Chapel, 304 Crook Ave., Henderson, TN 38340, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Reception will be hosted at Estes Church of Christ from 3-4:30 p.m.