Melissa Nelson

Melissa McDanal Nelson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Saturday, January 31st after a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer. She was 62 years old. Melissa, affectionately called “Missy” by her husband Tad, was the devoted mother of four daughters and a proud Grammy to her first grandchild. She was the heart of her family in every way.

In her youth, Melissa was a talented artist, gymnast, and dancer. She grew up in Forestdale, Alabama, and graduated from Minor High School. She loved Motown and disco music and was known as the life of the party—hilarious, vibrant, creative, intelligent, kind, and deeply compassionate. Melissa had a gift for making things special. She hosted large family Christmases and turned every birthday party and milestone for her children into something unforgettable. She loved fashion, pop culture, and joy in all its forms.

Melissa was a devoted wife to Tad, her partner for 40 years and husband for nearly 38. Their marriage was built on love, laughter, and mutual support, and together they created a home filled with joy, warmth, and family traditions. Tad was not just her husband, but her closest friend and partner in everything she cherished. Above all, her greatest purpose in life was being a mother to her four girls and a Grammy to her grandson. If you knew Melissa, you knew how fiercely and completely she loved her children and grandchild.

Melissa began her nursing career as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery at UAB before moving into reproductive medicine at Brookwood Hospital, where she found work that truly fit her heart. She was deeply passionate about helping people become parents and took great pride in walking families through the IVF journey. When Melissa’s children were young, she stepped away from nursing to be a full-time mom, a season she treasured deeply. As her children grew older, Melissa returned to the profession she loved, continuing her work at Brookwood as an IVF and Egg Donor Coordinator. Melissa was devoted to the practice of IVF and spent many years educating nurses and providers across the Southeast, becoming known as a patient, generous teacher to those who worked alongside her.

Melissa faced her cancer diagnosis with extraordinary courage. Told she had only a slight chance of surviving five years, she fought relentlessly for 11 years, trying new medications and treatments, participating in clinical trials, and undergoing numerous surgeries. Throughout it all, her love for her family was her driving force. She cherished every moment she could spend watching her daughters grow into accomplished adults and find their own paths in life. Her perseverance and devotion were a testament to the depth of her love and the extraordinary strength of her spirit.

Melissa is survived by her husband Tad Nelson, her daughters Annie Nelson, Cady Pinkerton, Chloe Bowen, and Georgia Reed, and her grandson Nelson Bowen. She is also survived by her sisters Beth Hide and Melanie Salsgiver, and her brother Tommy McDanal. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gail McDanal, whom she loved deeply.

A service to celebrate Melissa’s life will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Oxmoor Road in Homewood on February 15 at 11:00 am. Visitation and a reception will follow the service.