Melissa Gilman Shephard, "Mella" as she was more affectionately called by those who knew and loved her, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus at her home on September 19, 2026, after a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Mella was born in Winter Haven, Florida, on April 23, 1964, to Glinda Faye Howell (Dean) and adopted by her daddy, Don Lamar Gilman, later in life. She spent her early life in the Winter Haven area, graduating from Fort Meade High School and joined the Army shortly after. But the Navy garnered her attention, and she served proudly until her discharge. She was always a proud veteran and enjoyed remaining an advocate and friend to other veterans. If you knew her, you know she didn't leave the house without a US Navy Veteran ball cap.

Mella is survived by her only daughter, Kristin Hall, and her family, including her son-in-law, Justin, and her absolute favorite people…her grandchildren. Noah, Maddox, Bryce, and Brynn were her whole world, and she loved spending time with them more than anything else. She is also survived by her sister, Terri Carlson, as well as her nieces and nephews. There are numerous extended family members mourning her passing as well.

Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, Don Gilman and Glinda Dean; her sister, Jennifer LeAnn Smith; her grandparents, Harmon and Bonnie Heath; and her wonderful husband, Charles "Chuck" Shephard.

She never met a stranger, whether person or animal. She loved petting all of the dogs on the Greenbelt and feeding the ducks and geese on her wheelchair adventures. Mella stopped to talk to every veteran she met, thanking them for their service. New friends and acquaintances were always made, no matter where she went.

She loved cheering loudly for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. Even during the bad seasons, her loyalty did not falter. Later in life, she enjoyed learning to cook and took pride in making dinner for her family. She was an avid iPhone photographer and would always show off the pictures she took, mostly of nature and animals. Mella loved to laugh, but told the worst jokes, which somehow made them funnier. Her zest for life was contagious, and her love knew no bounds. To know Mella was to love her; it just couldn't be helped. She will be severely missed.

Although ALS caused significant decline to her physical body, it did not affect her demeanor, attitude, or outlook. She served a mighty God and would often tell others how blessed she was in this life despite the toll of such an ugly disease. She found comfort in His promises and joy in listening to gospel music. She was a faithful servant and is now made whole again. We are heartbroken to lose her, but rejoice knowing she is walking on those heavenly streets of gold.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Mella will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia during a private ceremony. There will be a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Shephard family.