DAVIS, Melanie Ann Melanie Ann Davis, 59, of Dallas was born March 30, 1958, in Morgan City, Louisiana, the daughter of Jerry B. Davis and Patricia St. Clair Davis and the sister of Jerry Richard Davis. Her early childhood was spent in Midland before the family moved to Dallas in 1967. She considered Hopkins County her second home because of visiting there in summers and on holidays with her beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Davis of Nelta and Mr. and Mrs. Irl St. Clair of Sulphur Springs, all of whom preceded her in death. Melanie is a descendant of several pioneer families who settled in the county in the 1840s, including Eldridge Hopkins for whom the county is named. Melanie was a graduate of Pearce High School, Richardson, and attended Texas A&M University, College Station, and held an associate degree from Texas College of Medical and Dental Careers, Dallas. Employed as an associate at Veritex Community Bank, Dallas, she had a 20-year career in banking, including as a teller supervisor at BB&T and a senior training specialist, Southwest Region, and assistant branch manager at Chase/Bank One. Melanie was a 49-year member of First United Methodist Church Richardson, having joined with her family in 1968, and was confirmed there in 1970. She served as Sunday School teacher, was an usher and taught confirmation classes. She also was active in the church's Caring Ministry where she visited and gave communion to those who were homebound or in nursing homes. She carried with her a cross with the message, "In Appreciation of Your Service to The Lord. 'Well Done Good and Faithful Servant.' Matthew 25:21," which is believed to be a gift from one of her students. Melanie died Friday, January 5, 2018, at her home with her family comforting her. Graveside services will be held at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery Tuesday, January 9. A celebration of her life is set for 4 p.m., Friday, January 12, at First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway with the Rev. Clayton Oliphint, officiating. Survivors include her parents; her brother and his wife, Natalie Beers Davis of Dallas; a niece, Lindsey Ann Davis Miller and her husband, Dante Miller of Warsaw, Poland; two nephews, Cole St. Clair Davis of Dallas and Christopher Dodge Davis of Boulder, Colorado; and two aunts, Mary Davis of Fort Worth and Sharon St. Clair of Dallas. Also surviving are Melanie's cousins, Patricia Livergood, her husband, Michael Livergood, and their children, Madeline and Grant; Jason Grant and his children, Duncan and Alex; Ashley Ezar; and Eric Ezar, his wife, Julie, and their children, Emily, E.J., and Jillian. Donations in Melanie's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church Richardson. 503 N. Central Expressway, 75080, or online at www.fumcr.com.

Published in Dallas Morning News on Jan. 7, 2018