Melissa Cherie Randolph, 37, of Hattiesburg, passed away on November 14, 2017, at her home. She was born on July 9, 1980, to Daniel and Janice Randolph in Hattiesburg, MS. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School, Melissa attended Mississippi State University, earning a B.A. in addition to a Master’s Degree in Public Accounting. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and served her chapter as secretary, as well as vice-president. Melissa was employed as a CPA for Horne, LLP from September 2003 until June 2017 and by that time, had worked her way up to a management position.
An avid animal lover, Melissa enjoyed spending time with her dog, participating in community service, and donating her time to various animal rescues and shelters. Her hobbies included: clothes shopping, arts and crafts, including floral design and painting, watching and attending Mississippi State Bulldog football games, keeping up with pop culture through various media, and traveling, more specifically to Washington D.C., New York, Las Vegas, and Florida. She participated in Marathon Makeover and had a great sense of style.
Melissa was well-liked, caring, and was always there to help her family and friends through hard times, and was a go to person for advice with problems or tough decisions. Talented, intelligent, and quick-witted are only a few words to describe beautiful Melissa. Her special talent was that she could make up funny songs via improvisation. She loved to make people laugh.
Melissa was a loving and wonderful sister to Allison, always very supportive. As a daughter, she was warm, thoughtful, and selfless. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues.
Melissa is preceded in death by her grandmother, Sarah Biorski; a feline nephew, Chandler Todd McKay. She is survived by her parents; a sister, Allison McKay; her canine baby, Sofie Isabella; a feline niece, Kylie Madeline McKay.
Memorial donations may be made to Hub City Humane Society of Hattiesburg, MS, in Melissa’s memory. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in her honor and is to be announced.