Melissa brought a cluster of talents and achievements that equipped her for significant volunteer posts. She was a native Houstonian. She was a 1975 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in Education. She was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Five years later she earned a Master of Arts in Church and Society at the Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minneapolis, while serving as Youth Director for the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Minneapolis.
In the mid-1980’s Melissa lived in San Diego, where she ran the office of California’s Lt. Governor Leo McCarthy. This included managing press conferences, special events and international projects. She also joined the Junior League, becoming an active volunteer in San Diego (1986-1994), Minneapolis (as active and then sustaining member to 2007), and Houston from 2008 to the present time.
Since coming home to Houston (literally, to the house where she grew up) in 2005, Melissa showed new employment strengths. She acted as financial services representative in insurance companies, and most recently as a consultant to clients with special health concerns. Melissa was a perceptive, diligent woman, whose attractive personality covered a spine of steel.
Melissa is survived by her mother, Mary Barden Worrell; her son, Edward Hoiland; and his father, Mark Hoiland; her brother, Randy A. Worrell and wife Lori, and their children Jenni, Matt, and Rainey. She was predeceased by her father, Millard G. Worrell; great grandfather, E.T. Barden; grandparents, Leonard Attwell and Lillian; and many other relatives.
A celebration of Melissa’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 1st of May, at Christ Church Cathedral, 111 Texas Avenue in Houston, where The Reverend M.L. Grace, Canon for Christian Formation, is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Melissa’s memory may be directed to Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund, 1117 Texas Ave., Houston, TX, 77002; the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln., Houston, TX, 77027; or to the charity of one’s choice.
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