Melissa M Jenkins

Melissa Margaret (Wickham) Jenkins, 53, passed from this life to the next on November 10, 2023 at her home, surrounded by love and support, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on March 12, 1970 to her cherished parents, Thomas and Pamela Wickham. Melissa grew up in Sunbury, Ohio with her devoted siblings David, Wendy, Amy, Mark, Angela, Candice and Stephanie. Melissa’s parents and siblings meant the world to her and she loved them fiercely. She was the rock of their family, offering her love and support at every turn. She defended those she loved with a passion and her loyalty was unwavering.

Melissa’s dream of becoming a mother came true with the birth of her children, Sydney Aurora Jenkins and Stella Lilly Jenkins in 2007, and Gavin Michael Jenkins in 2009. Stella and Gavin were here on earth for only a short time and were there to welcome their mother into heaven.

Along with Stella and Gavin, her infant brother Mark, grandparents Margaret and Thoburn Ernest and Dorothy and Kitridge Wickham, all welcomed her home.

Melissa took great pride in her fifteen nieces and nephews, Loryn, Casey, Tayler, Madison, Jaden, Carson, Craig, Reno, Jessica, Tess, Skylar, Reese, Samuel, Lux and Pearl. Her loving family circle also included her devoted sister in law and brothers in law, Kim Wickham, Rick Overbaugh, Steve McEnery, BJ Rader and Bob Zondorak.

Melissa graduated from Big Walnut High School in 1988. She also attended the University of Rio Grande. She began her 20 year career at Worthington Dental Group in 1999 where she worked as a dental assistant before going on to earn her credentials as an expanded functions dental assistant. Melissa loved her work, her patients and her colleagues. Her passion for the dental industry was inspired by two people she greatly admired, Dr. Sarah Conroy and Dr. Kim Laurell. In 2021, after leaving the dental office, she started Sol Dental Lab with her business partner, Angie Cho. Melissa’s work at the dental lab gave her a sense of purpose in her last months. In 2010 she became co-owner of Sprig, a monthly subscription health food box. In recent years, she also worked as a realtor for Red One Realty. Melissa was ambitious and loved learning new things simply to be enriched.

Melissa had some truly amazing friends who continually showed up for her because she was the best friend a person could have. A few special ones who were there for her in this most difficult time, Mackenzie Richter and family, Angie Cho, Teri Leahy, Chris Nobis, Kristy Hilton and Kelly Gard.

Melissa cherished her sweet dog, Rafa, who was a constant companion, offering his unconditional love through her hardest days.

A fanatical concert goer, Melissa loved music and attended hundreds of concerts over the years, usually with her brother David. Some of her favorite bands were Southwynd, Foo Fighters, Kiss, Cold War Kids and Cannons. Melissa loved so many things in life. If the truth be told, she simply just loved life. And she lived it fully, vibrantly and on her terms, unapologetically.

A celebration of life will be held at Schoedinger Funeral Home in Worthington on Friday December 1, 4pm-8pm, with eulogy and memories shared starting at 5:30. The family welcomes flowers in Melissa’s memory, or a donation can be made in her name to either The March of Dimes or Planned Parenthood, two causes she supported.

The family is forever grateful to Melissa’s angels at Ohio Health Hospice, Tiffany, Kristin and Craig.