Melanie G. Aissa, 45, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 2:22 am March 4, 2024 at her residence in Mount Vernon.

She was born November 14, 1978 in Centralia, Illinois to Debra D. Williams.

In addition to her mother, Melanie is survived by her sister, Nora Chambliss; brother-in-law, Wade Chambliss; nephew, Aiden Chambliss, all of Lawrenceville, Georgia; brother, Shareef Aissa of Newport, Oregan; nephew, Tano Aissa; niece, Ella Aissa, both of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and grandparents, Phyllis and Jim Wilson of Bluford, Illinois.

Melanie was preceded in death by her father, George Richard "Rick" Varney; grandfather, Jerry Bob Williams; and great-grandparents, Charles and Grace Carpenter.

Melanie graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Journalism from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She worked as a manager for Hyatt Hotel in Marion and then office manager at Pat's Auto Service in Murphysboro. Melanie loved her three cats, PKitty, Baby, and Saffy. She enjoyed gardening, working on her truck, and concerts with friends. Family was very important to her and she had a big heart with a loving soul. Melanie was sentimental, caring, compassionate, and stood up for what she believed in. She was proud of who she was and always did what was right.

Melanie was diagnosed with ALS in October of 2021 and fought hard until the battle ended in 2024. She tried to use her experience with the terrible disease to help others with ALS.

A Private Family Service will be held. Memorials may be made in Melanie's honor to ALS Association.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.

Source:Posted by Betty Sink on Jefferson County Genealogy Facebook group