Melissa Helena Martin, 68, of Waynesboro, Virginia, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 3, 1958, in Staunton, Virginia, Melissa lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Melissa dedicated 28 years of her career to Hollister Inc. in Stuart’s Draft, Virginia, where she served as a machine operator and trainer before retiring. Throughout her working life, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing for her daughters and grandchildren, ensuring they always had what they needed. Those who knew Melissa knew her good heart and her big, infectious laugh, qualities that drew people to her and made every gathering brighter.

When she was not working, Melissa loved spending time with friends and family, attending different events and church homecomings, and traveling to new places. She had a passion for capturing memories through photos and, most of all, she loved to shop.

Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Helena Martin; her sister, Casandra Elliston; her grandparents, Helen and Clemon McCauley and Edgar Martin, Sr. and Frances Scott Martin.

She is survived by her father, Leslie Martin and stepmother Neavis Martin of Harrisonburg, Va; her daughters, Yosha Martin of Waynesboro, Va and Traivonna Corbin of Harrisonburg, Va; her brothers, Leslie "Buck" Martin and wife, Mildred “Esther” Martin of Harrisonburg, Va, Timothy Martin and wife, Rita Martin of Harrisonburg, Va, and Darryl Church and wife, Lucy Church of Harrisonburg, Va; her sisters, Lois "Maria" Martin of Harrisonburg, Va, Dana Karacof and husband, David Karacof of Mount Solon, Va, Sharon Redman and Glen Redman of Brandywine, WV; and her beloved grandchildren, Shawn Hubbard, Jr., Aalayah Hubbard and Waynesboro, Va, Kaijhan Corbin, Kaijheya Corbin, Dakai Corbin, Jr., and Kaiyonna Corbin and Harrisonburg, Va, along with many other cherished family members and friends.

May Melissa now rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord, her faith carrying her home to eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Melissa's home, 1432 5th Street, Waynesboro, Virginia.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kyger Funeral Home and Crematory in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A private burial will be held by the family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Annette "Bunny" Brown, Melissa's best friend, or as she would say, her sister; a special friend, Ruth Washington, and to Victoria Cruz, her caregiver.

The family also wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Romano and his team at Martha Jefferson Hospital, as well as Shenandoah Hospice. Thank you all for your help and time; And to anyone who was of support during this long hard battle. The family appreciates you all.

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[https://www.kygers.com/obituaries/Melissa-Helena-Martin?obId=49001846]