Melissa Odom Ridgway

Melissa Odom Ridgway, age 94, passed into the arms of Christ on June 1, 2025. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi on October 22, 1930. Melissa attended Laurel City Schools furthering her education graduating from Jones Junior College and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Millsaps College and receiving Master of Education from the Mississippi Southern College. She began her teaching career in Natchez, Ms., later returning to devote 30 years as an elementary teacher in Laurel. She was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Odom, her beloved brothers Charles Leon Odom, William Harold Odom and Clyde LeBarron Odom, Sr., her beloved granddaughter Lucy Bennet Black, and her husband Joseph William Ridgway. She was a very active member of the First-Trinity Presbyterian Church USA, an active member of Presbyterian Women of FTPC, a member of the Lauren Rogers Museum, a member of the Lauren Rogers Guild of Docents and Volunteers, and a past Board Member of the Laurel Jones County Library, as well as a past Board Member of the Laurel Country Club. She is survived by her daughters Sarah George Ridgway Willoughby (Gary), Susan Odom Ridgway Black (Phillip) and their children Hannah Stuart Black (Mark Bodnar) Oscar and Romana and Sara Thomas Black. She is also survived by her stepson, William McBryde Ridgway II (Priscilla), and his children and grandchildren, William McBryde Ridgway III (Faith), and their sons Daniel and Austin; Brandie Jacobs and her children, Ashlea and Rhyan; Shelley Smith (Jude), and their children, Erin (Tyler) Valerie, Alex, and Kate; and Matthew Ridgway and his children, Olivia and Parker. Private graveside services for the family will be at Lake Park Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at First-Trinity Presbyterian church on June 26th at 3 o’clock. Visitation will follow the service in the Kirk House at the church. The family would like to thank Dr. George Patton and the staff of St. Catherine’s Village for their loving and compassionate care for almost 19 years. And in her final days, Hospice Care team made sure she was very comfortable. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donation to First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, Laurel, Mississippi, or St. Catherine’s Village, Madison, Mississippi. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Melissa Odom Ridgway

October 22, 1930 - June 1, 2025