Melissa Mack Mikkelsen of Rincon, GA passed away on June 30th in St. Petersburg, FL in the care of her beloved daughters, Meagan and Elizabeth. She was born April 25, 1973 in Savannah, GA.  “Missy” graduated from Jenkins High School and attended Newberry College in Newberry, S.C. where she made many lifelong friends. 

Among Melissa’s passions in life were her daughters followed closely by any and all animals. If she saw a lost or injured animal, no matter where she was or where she was going, the animal became top priority.  She stopped and rescued animals from congested highways, parking lots, back woods roads, and saw that they were taken care of no matter what their needs happened to be. Her daughters do the same. Her first personal pet was Sugar Baby, a pony she received from her dad at age six.  Eventually, she owned two horses also.  When her daughters were old enough, her “Aunt Toady” gave them the gift of a horse named Olivia.  Melissa and her daughters made precious memories with Olivia on trails, in shows, and at the stables.

Above all else, Melissa cherished her family. She is survived by:  daughters Elizabeth Nelms (Landin) of Rincon,GA , Meagan Mikkelsen (J.P.) of St. Petersburg, FL, grandson Albert Mack Garanton, St. Peterburg; parents William “Billy” Mack Sr. and Patricia Mack, Maysville, GA, brother William “Billy” Mack Jr. (Sarah) of Savannah; grandmother Frances Kersey of St. Pete, aunts Patsy Linton (James) of Moncks Corner, S.C. and Kathy Wiggins(Chris) of St. Pete, FL, her BFF cousin, Donna Jennings, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., cousins Clayton Clark (Roxie) of Goose Creek, S.C.  and Chris Wiggins (Jamie), St, Pete, FL.  Of great importance to her is to recognize she is survived by her beloved dog, Maggie, who will remain with family as promised. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday, July 19th  at Maranatha Family Church, 454 Wisenbaker Rd., Rincon, GA.  Visitation at the church will start at 2:30 P.M. prior to the service. 

Melissa will be remembered for her strength, determination, love of life, love of animals, and the steadfast love for her daughters, grandson, and family.  Her legacy lives on in the family and friends she loved and treasured.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her family’s favorite pet rescues in her memory.  Pooler Paws @ poolerpaws.org and/or Angels Retreat on facebook and also 289 Eagle Fork Ter., Hayesville, NC 26904.