Melissa Lynett Lawrence

Melissa Lynett Lawrence, of Sullivan, MO, departed this life in Fenton, MO on January 18, 2018, having reached the age of fifty-three years, eight months and twenty-seven days. Melissa was born in St. Louis, MO on April 21, 1964, daughter of Jerry Dean Dodd and Freeda Fay Dodd nee McKay. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have four daughters.

Melissa is survived by her former spouse and friend, Mark Lawrence of St. Clair, MO; by her father, Jerry Dodd and wife, Jean, of Lonedell, MO; by her daughters, Emilee Lawrence and fiancé, Keith Davis, of Sullivan, MO; Elizabeth Lawrence and boyfriend, John Maierhoffer, of Sullivan, Elainey Lawrence and boyfriend, Tyler Reeves, of Sullivan and Ellie Lawrence of Sullivan; by her former foster daughter, Rose Freeman of Rolla, MO; by her brothers, Jeff Dodd and girlfriend, Tamra, of Pendleton, IN and Curtis Dodd and wife, Dianna, of St. Peters, MO; by her sister, Kim Vogelsang and husband, Jason, of Lake St. Louis, MO; by her grandchildren, Mason Burks of Sullivan and Tytan and Ember Reeves, both of Sullivan; by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Freeda Dodd; by her sister, Angela Dodd; and by her special friend, Elmer “Bud” Cox.

Melissa was a Christian, having been raised in the Baptist faith and believing in the Lord as her Savior. As a young woman she worked as a waitress at Coach's Restaurant in St. Clair, MO and later went on to teach pre-school at Holy Trinity Day Care in St. Clair for many years. While her children were in school she was a room mother and also had slumber parties at her home for the girls. Melissa loved the outdoors and enjoyed going camping and on float trips. What meant most to her though was time spent with her family. Her children and grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, as she did in theirs. The memories they created will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life was held from 4-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO. A private committal will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.