Melissa Leah Garrett

Melissa Leah Garrett, 38, of Virginia Beach, VA went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021. A holiday that embodies one of her favorite things: quality time with her family and loved ones. She loved her family fiercely, especially her sister and brothers, and was a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews. Melissa developed a special bond with her “little dudes” and could always be found talking makeup with her nieces.

Melissa’s early years were spent playing softball at Azalea Little League. She went on to graduate from Kempsville High School in 2001, where she was a member of the chorus and proudly played the role of “Mrs. Potts” in the school’s Disney musical. She could be described as a movie, music, and TV-show guru, as she was knowledgeable of all. Melissa would absolutely destroy anyone in a game of media trivia. She listened to a variety of music, old and new, but was a superfan of Hanson and Travis Tritt.

Melissa’s best years, however, were spent with her loyal, loving and supporting “hubster,” Jon. He brought out Melissa’s truest form and always accepted her for who she was. On Christmas Day 2012, Jon proposed surrounded by her family. Her absolute happiest day was her wedding day on October 12, 2013. She married her soulmate and life companion who truly stood by her side in sickness and in health. He also encouraged her to dive into what would become her favorite hobby and occupation: makeup. She created a well-followed YouTube channel, vlogged makeup tutorials, tested cruelty-free products and shared her life through social media, directly impacting people across the globe. Melissa connected with others through her art form and probably never realized how many people she touched.

Melissa did things out of the kindness of her heart, not worried about how she would be perceived. She was a fighter, always stood up for what she believed in and had a wit like no other. She was diagnosed with the rare blood disorders, PNH and ITP, and while she was a warrior, she was also an advocate. Even in her final days, she shared her love for the world around her on social media and in her videos. She left an everlasting impact on those who were lucky enough to experience her kind and gentle, yet fierce soul. May her eternal rest be glorious and pain-free.

Melissa is predeceased by her father, Michael A. Gregory Sr.; grandparents, Richard P. “Tuggy” McMullen, Sr. and Judith A. McMullen; uncle, Richard P. McMullen, Jr.; and baby cousin, Daphne K. Thomas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jonathan P Garrett; parents, Rebecca M. and Bruce A. Barbeau and mother-in-law, Sally Garrett; father-in-law Randy Frey; sister, Jennifer McMullen-Muller (David); brothers, Michael A. Gregory, Jr. (Shannon) and Kevin A. Barbeau (Amber); nieces and nephews, Lexi and Reese Muller, Madyson, Annabella, Mikey, Andrew, Logan and Paisley Gregory, and Jaxon Barbeau; aunts, Kristy A. Andrews (Roger), Colleen G. Marshall (Jimbo), Kathy S. Thomas (Paul), and Amy R. McMullen; cousins, Kendall L. Andrews, Timmy P. Andrews (Natasha), Keith A. Marshall (Auriel), S. Kyle Marshall (Kacie), Shelby L. Sexton (Joe), David R. Thomas (Kelly), Hayley E. Thomas, and Kelsey A. Thomas; second cousins, Grayson, Bryce and Reed Andrews, Lilly and Benny Marshall, Carmen and Mikey Vasquez, Ava and Evi Sexton, Natalie Thomas, and extended family.

Melissa loved life to the fullest. Whenever Jon would ask what she was doing, her response would always be, “being awesome”. Melissa will be missed dearly, but she will be our Awesome Angel for eternity.