Melissa Ann Miller Utt

Raleigh, NC

Melissa Ann Miller Utt passed away January 1, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Melissa was born November 1, 1964 in Wilkesboro, NC. She attended Wilkes Central High School and First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. While at Wilkes Central High School she was a cheerleader, member of the marching band, student government representative and member of the school’s National Honor Society. In addition, Melissa was active in Interact, a service club sponsored by Rotary International for high school students, where she served as the group’s President.

After graduating from high school in 1983, Melissa attended North Carolina State University for two years where she participated in the school’s pre-Veterinary Medicine program. During her sophomore year, she met her husband Paul via a blind date. After her sophomore year Melissa transferred to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study to become a pharmacist and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. In 1990 Melissa graduated from Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

Melissa and Paul wed on August 18, 1990. Immediately following their wedding Melissa and Paul began their married life together in Winston-Salem where Paul attended graduate school and Melissa worked for Forsyth Hospital. From 1993 to 2000, Melissa and Paul lived in Greenville, SC where she worked at St. Francis Hospital. While living in Greenville, Melissa and Paul were blessed by the births of their daughters Mary Gordon on August 14, 1994 and Caroline Lane on October 23, 1996. In 2000, Melissa and Paul moved back to Raleigh, where the family now resides. Shortly after this move, their son, Paul Winebrener Utt, Jr (Brener), was born on October 31, 2000. While living in Raleigh, Melissa worked for the North Carolina Department of Correction’s Central Pharmacy.

Melissa was an actively involved with garden clubs in Greenville, SC and in Raleigh, NC. Most recently, Melissa was a member of the Coley Forest Garden Club of which she served as President. Her passion for arranging flowers brought great joy to her. She was also active with both daughters in the National Charity League, a devoted “tennis mom,” a staunch supporter of Saint Mary’s School, and member of Christ Church.

Melissa will be remembered for her devoted love for her family and her uniquely gracious, humble, kind and approachable spirit. Her personality allowed her to form deep and lasting friendships with everyone she met. She leaves a legacy of giving more of herself than she asked of others, of unconditional love for her family and friends and a life lived with the combination of charm, style and grace that only Melissa possessed.

Melissa is survived by her husband Paul, children Mary Gordon, Caroline and Brener, parents Dr. Gordon Profit Miller and Myrtle Jean Hudler Miller of Wilkesboro, brother Gordon Profit Miller, Jr, and wife, Paula, of Springdale, Arkansas and in-laws Mr. and Mrs. William Ernest Utt of Frederick Maryland, Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips Utt of Houston, Texas, Mr. James Gambrill Utt of Bethesda, Maryland and Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lane Utt of Ijamsville, Maryland.

The family will be forever grateful for the care provided by her doctors and nurses at Duke University Medical Center, as well as the daily support from local friends during Melissa’s care. In particular, the family thanks Kristin Shook who worked daily during Melissa’s care to coordinate meal donations, schedule travel for family members, make arrangements for children, etc. Kristin was supported by Stephanie Mosely, Sharon Gustafson, Sidney Lowe, Anne Mitchell, Pat Barnard, Jennifer and Steve Holloman, and Cindy Jones.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Church at 9:30am, Friday, January 6, 2012. A graveside service will be held at Laurel Springs Baptist Church cemetery, in Laurel Springs, NC at 3:30pm, Friday, January 6, 2012.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Church, 120 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC, (919) 828-4311.