A memorial service to celebrate Melissa's life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023.  The family will receive guests beginning at 1:30 pm, with a short service to follow at 3:30 pm at the Marietta Funeral Home located at 915 Piedmont Road, Marietta, GA 30066. Friends, family, and former students are invited to attend and pay their respects to this remarkable woman.

Melissa B. Anderson (Missi), age 79, of Marietta, GA, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 31, 2023, with her family caring for her. Born on July 16, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Rosemary and Edward Bland, the family moved to Botkins, Ohio to commence farming when she was about 11. Her tenacity and dependability, offered to all those she was close to, stem from the many chores she became responsible for, including cooking, gardening, childcare of two younger siblings, outdoor chores, animal care, and assisting in her mother's business.

She dearly loved her horse, Snowball, was a vibrant ice skater and ice hockey player, and was always willing to play baseball or other outdoor games. She also began her lifelong enjoyment of Scrabble and Crossword puzzles early on. Her full and rewarding life of service dedicated to noble principles began with her years growing up on a farm.

Missi graduated from Botkins Central High School where she excelled in all aspects and then proceeded to college at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.  Melissa's educational journey included earning a Master's Degree in Education from Bowling Green.

She deeply valued the importance of knowledge and believed in the transformative power of education. She continued her dedication to service through her sorority Phi Mu during her undergraduate years and beyond and worked throughout her college years, typing, editing, and developing her teaching and reporting skills, including spending some time working for the Toledo Blade.

Missi became a steadfast and dedicated teacher. She had an unwavering passion for education and spent 34 years as a High School English Teacher. She touched the lives of countless students throughout her career, inspiring them to love literature and embrace the power of language as well as to discover life values and lessons of human dignity. Melissa's commitment to her profession was unparalleled, and again she served through many extracurricular activities including yearbook editor. Her impact will be remembered by all those she taught.

Outside of her career, Melissa was a loving and devoted wife to her late husband, Steve Anderson. Together, they shared a love for over 53 years that was a source of strength and support throughout their lives. Melissa is survived by her sons, Adam Anderson and Matt Anderson, whom she loved fiercely and who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness. Her three sisters, Judy, Sandy, and Patti also survive her and mourn this tremendous loss.

Melissa Anderson will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her loved ones and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cobb County Animal Services .