Melissa Carroll Garrone Thompson

Melissa was born on April 10, 1954 to James W. Carroll and Lee D. Carroll. She grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and graduated from Hendersonville High School. She went on to attend the University of Memphis, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and later a Master of Science in Leadership. During her time there, she was a proud member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority.

Melissa devoted her life to education for over 25 years in the Memphis City School system. She served as a teacher and later as an assistant principal at Snowden School in Memphis, retiring in 2018. She dedicated her professional life to education, mentoring countless teachers and students.

Beyond her career, Melissa was a lifelong performer, taking part in countless music and theater productions and sang in several bands, most notably Flashback. She had a gift for bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. She cherished time spent with family, adored her grandchildren, treasured her time with friends, and found peace in gardening.

She grew up as a member of Hendersonville First United Methodist church and carried her faith with her throughout her life.

Those who knew Melissa will remember her for her kindness, laughter, humor, strength and her willingness to help others.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lee D. Carroll, and father, James W. Carroll.

She is survived by her husband Wayne Thompson; daughters Gina (Matt) Guthrie; Emily (Justin) Jamerson; Angela (Ian Ferguson) Garrone; grandchildren Rosemary Guthrie, John Guthrie, Leo Jamerson and Isaac Jamerson; brother James (Nancy) Carroll, and Matt (Dianna) Carroll.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Transplant and Cardiac ICU at Baptist East Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 20, from 9:00 am to 10:00 a.m., service at 10:00 a.m. at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis. Tennessee 38122.

Melissa’s life was a gift to all who knew her. In honor of Melissa’s life and love for children the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Heart Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.