Melissa Sokolovich-Clemmons

Melissa was born on September 29th, 1977 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was well traveled in adolescence as a “military brat” due to her parents both serving in the United States Air Force. Her favorite station was in Okinawa, Japan, although she ended up settling in Dover, Delaware in her teen years. She graduated in 1996 from Caesar Rodney High School where she met many lifelong friends.

Following high school, Melissa went on to work at the Dover Air Force Base as a receptionist where she met the father (Roland Gillette) to her firstborn. After some time, she reunited with an old high school friend (Bryan Stone), whom she later married and had 3 more kids with. She was a fierce protector of her babies. She embodied all the best parts of motherhood. She loved her children deeply and unconditionally, and would do anything to protect them, even from themselves.

There are many words to describe Melissa. Some might be too colorful for an obituary, to her dismay. She asked that we tell the truth.

The honest truth is that Melissa had a heart of gold with a hard exterior. She had quick wit and a sharp tongue. She was funny, hilarious actually. She said what was on her mind and it didn’t matter who was near or what they thought. In fact, you knew how she was feeling because her eyes changed colors with her emotions. She had the most beautiful eyes. She spoke her truth. She was strong, yet gentle. She was like a rose, beautiful and sweet, but watch out for those thorns. She loved with everything she had. She was resilient & painfully stubborn. She was genuine. She didn’t hold back. She lived life to the fullest. She led her children by example.

She loved Winnie the Pooh, sunflowers, the beach, the smell of the air right before it rains, the smell of white gardenia, and dogs. She left behind her furry best friend, Dixie. Dixie is a Rottweiler who Melissa had grown a deep connection with. Dixie had a personality of her own, one that matched Melissa’s. She helped Melissa through the toughest parts of her battle. She made Melissa laugh. Melissa had the best laugh. Dixie knew when Melissa was struggling and she knew how to comfort her. She went everywhere with Melissa, making space for herself anywhere Melissa went.

Melissa’s true passion was motherhood. She became a mother at the ripe age of 19. While she didn’t know what she was doing, she was an incredible mother, although she’d never believe it. Her children include MycKenzie Deborah Gallagher (Gillette), 29, Alexis Destiny Stone, 27, Victoria Sydney Jean Stone, 23, and Nikolas Bryan Stone, 22. Once her kids were grown, her love for motherhood only grew upon the arrival of her first and only grandchild, Marshall Beckett Gallagher, 14mo. We all knew Marshall was her favorite. She was the best Gigi any child could wish to have. She was there for his birth and the first few weeks of his life. She loved him unconditionally, as she had with her own children.

She is survived by her parents, Deborah Sokolovich (Hunt) and Peter Sokolovich, her sister, Kelly Kelm, her children, and her grandchild. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Howard Hunt, and her Aunt, Marie Sokolovich.

Eventually, Melissa made her way from Delaware to North Carolina, where she sought out a new beginning. She found it with Jeremy Clemmons, who, until her last breath, spent every chance he could at her side. Through their ups and downs, Jeremy stayed.

For most of Melissa’s career, she climbed the corporate ladder in retail. She later transitioned to a role in bookkeeping for a tax consulting agency.

In November 2018, Melissa was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Through this tumultuous disease, Melissa never gave up, not even on her last day. She fought with more strength and courage than any one person should have. She leaned on her community, her church, her best friend, and her family for support. She refused to show weakness. Even in the very end, she didn’t give up. When we say she was stubborn, we mean it. She didn’t let her diagnosis define her. She fought to live. Near the beginning stages of her cancer diagnosis, she was given months to live. She decided that wasn’t enough. She flipped cancer the bird and lived a few more years. She lived long enough to see 2 of her daughters get married. She also witnessed the birth of her first grandchild. These were moments she prayed for.

Her body decided for her that it was time on May 17th, 2026. She lived to celebrate one last Mother’s Day with her mother, her 4 children, and her grandchild.

Melissa didn’t want a big, formal, “depressing” funeral service. She wanted a small gathering at the beach including her most intimate loved ones. Melissa might not have realized how loved she was by so many. She held a significant place in a lot of hearts, now broken by her departure from this world.

To honor her wishes, her immediate family and closest friends will celebrate her life in an intimate gathering at Melissa’s favorite beach at sunset. This is where they’ll share stories, cry, laugh, and relive the memories Melissa left behind.

To honor all others who loved her and would like to celebrate her legacy, there will be a larger celebration of life at a later date. The family will inform those who wish to attend at a later date. If friends or family are unable to make it to the celebration and would like to share their love, we ask that in lieu of flowers, they make a donation for cancer research.

Melissa was a gentle and kind soul. She helped those in need, often carrying packs of supplies for the homeless in her car. She would ask that you do the same. If you see someone in need and you have the ability to help them, do it. Love your babies with all you’ve got. And live life to the fullest. Cherish every breath you take. Take none of it for granted. Melissa has shown us that while life is short, it can be terrifyingly beautiful if you let it.