Michelle Marie Melvin

Michelle Marie Melvin Michelle Marie Melvin (Dodson), age 48, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. She was born on September 9, 1972 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland, the daughter of Joyce Marie Dodson (Davis) and Thomas Burton Dodson, Sr., and was a resident of Saint Cloud, Florida. Michelle graduated from King High School in Tampa, Florida in 1990, and from the University of South Florida in 1995, as a K-12 Instrumental Music Education major with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, kicking off a 27-year career in music education. In 1995, Michelle married the love of her life, Shannon Melvin in a ceremony filled with love and music. Together, they had two sons: Brandon William and Zachary Thomas. Loving her family and guiding her sons were sources of great delight for her. She loved camping with her husband and sons and it was the joy of their heart to go camping together. Michelle’s faith in God, devotion to family, and love of music were clear to all who met her. She was a dedicated mom, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, who never met a stranger. As a young child, Michelle discovered the joy of music and she spread that joy to others throughout her life. She played several instruments including the clarinet, saxophone, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and her latest addition, the ukulele. Michelle taught music in the public schools of Hillsborough County first and later Osceola County after moving to Saint Cloud in 1997. She was a leader in the elementary arts in the Osceola School District, working as a music teacher at Lakeview elementary and Harmony Community schools. Michelle was co-chair of the elementary music PLC, a mentor to new teachers, and wrote lessons for the Orlando Philharmonic Young People’s Concert, which had an impact in Osceola, Seminole and Volusia County. She was an amazing teacher, called and committed to doing what was best for students, and earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Michelle was also a founding member of Grace Community Church and served in the church’s music, Sunday school, nursery, and young adult ministries. She especially enjoyed cultivating a love for music and the Lord in young children, helping them to excel in their own musical endeavors. Michelle touched thousands of hearts and souls through her teaching and ministry. Michelle loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and those God placed in her path, making each and every person she met feel just as loved as her own family. It was so evident that the strength of the Lord carried her through every day. She would pick you up on your worst days and celebrate with you on your best days. She always had a smile to share, a story to tell, and a note to play. Michelle is survived by her husband, Shannon, their beloved sons, Brandon and Zachary, and the newest member of their family, Snoopy, her cute puppy whom she rescued and raised from just two weeks old through round-the-clock bottle feeding. She is also survived by her parents as well as her brothers, Charles Burton Dodson and Thomas Burton Dodson, Jr., and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service giving thanks to God for Michelle on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 6:00 pm at Grace Community Church, 5501 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Saint Cloud, Florida. Those planning to attend are encouraged to carpool and arrive early as seating and parking will be very limited. Overflow attendance will be accommodated with seating and standing areas outside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Harmony Community School music program. Please contact Leah Torres at (407) 460-2166 for donation information.

Michelle Marie Melvin

September 9, 1972 - July 16, 2021