She was the daughter of Thomas Lee Benson III and Audrey Ellen Pace-Sprouse. Melissa was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Thomas Lee Benson Sr. (Eva) and Dora and AJ Roach; and grandfather Thomas Lee Benson Jr. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband and partner of 17 years William Christopher “Rusty” Morris; daughter Kaylee Elizabeth Morris and son Caleb Edward Morris; grandmother Helen Benson of Earlysville; grandparents John and Virginia Pace; great-aunts Virginia Breeden, Brenda McDaniel, Mary Katherine Garrison, all of Earlysville, and Dotty Fleury (Paul) of South Carolina; great-uncle Billy Benson (Charlotte) of Troy; aunt Debbie Morris (Steve) of Virginia Beach; uncle Allen Pace (Renee); mother-in-law Donna Morris; and numerous extended family members.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of 3S and 4S of the University of Virginia.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021, at 11am, at Evergreen Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Dyke, Va, officiated by Pastors Rick and Janet Parkhurst. A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at Free Union Church of the Brethren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in support of Melissa's children to Sue Courtney, 1275 Peach Tree Drive, Crozet, Va 22932.
