Melanie Jane Smith

A graveside service for Melanie will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mt. View Corbett Cemetery, SE Smith Rd, Corbett, OR 97019.

Melanie Jane Smith graced the world with her presence on July 1, 1962. She was born on her great-grandmother’s birthday, and grew into a beautiful brown eyed girl. Her brother Jeffrey came along fourteen months later. It was just the two of them until their little sister Valerie joined them five years after that.

Melanie was a typical big sister, knowing best of course, according to herself! She was smart and did well in school, so well that her second-grade teacher said she could be a writer one day. But Melanie had other pursuits in mind - friends, horses, and sports were high on her list. She played volleyball and basketball during her years in school. She was a starter and played both forward and guard on the 1980 State Champion Corbett High School basketball team her senior year. The entire Corbett community celebrated the team and their big win!

After graduating from high school, Melanie earned enough money and sold everything she had to move to Hawaii with her friend Shelly. She said if she didn't get a job and place to live in two weeks she would be back. She was there four years! Melanie had an independent streak and was not afraid to step out on her own. She was strong and courageous and determined!! She was an excellent server and enjoyed many years working in restaurants in Hawaii, Portland and elsewhere. It was a life changing event when she was robbed at gunpoint one night while closing. She decided to step away from the restaurant industry and try something new. She earned her real estate license and almost made the Million Dollar Club her first year, but found it nerve racking showing houses alone after her experience at the restaurant. She and her sister Valerie started their own business cleaning new construction homes and did quite well for many years. When they tired of cleaning houses, both sisters got a job at Camp Howard in Aims eventually becoming lead cooks. Melanie was an excellent cook. The camp personnel grew to love Melanie and she loved the people at the camp, especially Karen and Sister Krista.

Melanie lived for a time in New Jersey with her husband she met in a Portland restaurant but it wasn't to be. Then she met the father of the greatest joy and love of her life - another beautiful brown eyed baby girl Mackenzie Ann White born in 1999. Melanie and Mackenzie were living together along with Mackenzie’s partner Alivia Pence on Howard Road in Corbett when Melanie passed July 26, 2024, just a 1/4 of a mile from where she was born. A true Corbett girl through and through.

Melanie loved flowers, trips to the beach, hiking with her beloved dog Abby, and spending time with family. Melanie was engaged to and was with her great love Steve Sousley when she passed. They loved each other dearly!! Melanie is survived by her daughter Mackenzie and her bonus daughter Alivia, her mother Sharon Andersen, her brother Jeffrey Smith and his family, and her sister Valerie Davis and her family. Melanie was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mountain View Corbett Cemetery next to her father, Leroy Smith, who preceded her in death.