Melissa J. Watkins

Melissa J. Watkins, born May 11, 1960, in Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away on August 1, 2026. She will be remembered for her resilience, warmth, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Melissa graduated from Fairborn High School and enjoyed a successful career of more than 28 years in sales for electrical distribution and harness/assembly manufacturing, most recently as an operations manager/customer service at CBC Connection. Known as the "queen of one-liners," she brought laughter and joy to those she worked with every day.

She found happiness in gardening, especially growing petunias and peonies, and loved decorating her home for Halloween and Christmas. She also treasured simple pleasures, from family movie nights featuring Jason Momoa to enjoying an Outlaw Ribeye at LongHorn Steakhouse.

Above all, Melissa was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Tawny Danielle Byrd, Brittany Leigh Watkins, and Evan Ryan Watkins; her beloved grandchildren, Briella Henneman, Axeton Byrd, Raelynn Smith, Madisyn Lewis, Makaelyn Byrd, Preston Gillum, Emma Hoskins, Jacob Rigg, and Bailey Rigg; her great-grandchildren, Nora Hoskins and Waylon Seek; her brother, Scott Barnhart; her sister, Donna Carter; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carolyn Ruth Page and Floyd Ross Barnhart, her Grandson Lucas Justice Jr. and her sister, Teresa Barnhart.

Known lovingly as "Mimi," Melissa delighted in creating special memories with her grandchildren through outings, gifts, and time spent together. Her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and deep love for her family will live on in all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, beautiful gardens, and cherished traditions that will continue to bloom for generations to come.To share a memory of Melissa or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.