Melissa McSwean, 41, a resident of Brantley, passed away unexpectedly in a motor vehicle accident in Troy on Sunday, Nov. 12. A celebration of Melissa’s life was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Glenwood Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Sanders officiating. 

Melissa was a proud graduate of the Brantley High School Class of 2001. Never one to just settle down, she had to explore all of her options when it came to career opportunities, from rural carrier for the United States Postal Service to working with Shaw Industries. Recently, she had opened her own successful cleaning company. She was also a longtime member of Glenwood Baptist Church. She was the baby out of three girls, but there was never a doubt that she was her “Daddy’s girl” through and through. Anything Daddy could do, she could do…and did! Melissa adored many different activities outdoors, from hunting to riding motorcycles. She especially loved the rodeo and she was quite proficient on a horse and could both rope and barrel race with the best of them. And if you think she cared that some people considered most of those “boy” activities, then you didn’t know Melissa! She prided herself on never doing what was expected and always breaking the mold. She was always going to keep you guessing, and that was part of why everyone loved her so well. 

Melissa was the quintessential extrovert in that she was the life of the party in every room she ever entered! She was extremely outgoing and gregarious with a phenomenal sense of humor. Times like this were actually where she shined brightest because you could always count on her to find a way to lighten the mood and bring a smile to everyone’s face during even their darkest days. Melissa thrived as the center of attention wherever she went, but never in an obnoxious kind of way. Her personality was just so larger than life that people naturally gravitated towards her, like moths to a flame…and, oh, how brightly she shone. She was also the kind of woman who always knew her own mind and never hesitated to share it with you. She was as strong-willed as a they come, but what better way to withstand the slings and arrows that life could throw her way. She was most certainly that flame that burned so brightly in the dark in every way that made a difference in the lives of those she loved. She was a devoted mother to her girls who she loved more than anything else in this world, and she loved being the “fun” aunt to her sisters’ children over the years. Melissa was never happier than when she was with her family and friends, and they cherished every single moment they were able to spend together. Her time here was far too short, but she lived a lifetime in those years and she will continue to live on in their hearts and minds for many more years to come. 

Melissa is survived by her beloved daughters, Kadence “Kadee” McGough and Isabell “Izzy” Bagents; her companion, Wayne Duncan, and his children, Hayden Duncan and Natalie Duncan; her parents, Billy and Sherry McSwean; sisters, Leslie (Perry) Flowers and Carrie (Shea) Bryan; nieces, Milan Stockinger, Laken Bryan, and Karley Bryan; nephew, Logan Flowers; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.