Melodi J. Mellerson was an Extraordinarily Strong Woman. Her smile was electrifying and always
brought JOY to each space she entered. Melodi had a heart of pure gold. She was gracious, kind,
considerate, understanding, and willing to help. She was full of vibrant energy, grace, love, integrity
and kindness. When Melodi entered the room, her presence commanded your full attention. She was
calm in the midst of a storm and had a clear solution for the current issues. She was patient,
compassionate, and always present. Her strength, will, power, and grace surpassed the understanding of
most. She was a beacon of light and an inspiration for many people. She was a true and complete
example of STRENGTH. She possessed the power to withstand any storm and still emerge smiling,
graceful, and energetic. Melodi was a living example of a "Woman King": resilient, radiant, ready,
powerful, strategic, loyal, and charming. She possessed exceptional leadership and organizational
qualities. Melodi was a Queen of Visionaries. She captivated audiences with her spirited ability to
manifest a dream into a physical reality. Her strength, tenacity, determination, and patience shaped her
character. She was able to transform and adjust to a diverse environment in an instant; she projected
positivity and found personal development in each task. Her personality was light and joyful; she
approached life with the sweet nectar of honey. The extraordinary strength of Melodi touched the lives
of countless people and places. Her presence will be missed, but we have gained an Ancestor that is
strong, tenacious, courageous, protective, and loving.
Melodi Janette Mellerson was born to Lena Mae Henry Grant Mellerson and Matthew Mellerson on
October 19, 1978, in Miami, Florida at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. Melodi attended Charles R. Drew
Elementary School, Charles R. Drew Middle School, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, and
Albany State College. Her strength, courage, joy, and resilience were felt by everyone and everything
that she came in contact with. Melodi was a strong, influential, kind, and tenacious young woman. She
was a Woman of God and firm believer in the power of prayer.
Melodi served as the President of the Miami Northwestern Class of 1997. She had a remarkable impact
on her classmates, colleagues, friends, and family. She was deeply loved and cared for by many.
Melodi had a way of making each individual feel that they were seen, heard, and valued. She was a
radiant being of light, love, grace, and care. She had a deep intuitive way of knowing and
understanding the world that extended her keen sense of intelligence. She loved the study of Kemetics,
African American and traditional African cultures, Theater, Dance, Art, Film, and Music.
Melodi was a firm believer in spirit and truth. She moved in many circles and communities sharing her
love, strength, knowledge, and activating spaces with brilliance and care. She was a woman of many
talents, and skills. Her love for the arts included theater, dance, art, music and food. She LOVED to
cook, travel, and attend theater productions of all sorts. She was a major inspiration within the Arts
Community. She was an integral part of the implementation, development, structure, and productions
of Olujimi Dance Theater (Advisory Board President), MoWash Productions (Production and Stage
Manager) and Miami Dade College Jubilation Dance Ensemble (Front of the House Manager). This
process led her to Adrianne Arsht Performing Arts Center for the Arts where she served the Miami
Dade community as ticket agent for South Florida's Ziff Opera House, The Knights Concert Hall and
the Carnival Studio. She was always thrilled when a new production began its load-in process.

Witnessing the behind-the-scenes elements brought excitement and joy to her life. She would talk for
hours about the details, and nuances of the sets, characters, light design, technical crew and the
community's response to the performative element of the productions. Because Melodi was grounded,
connected and raised in South Florida, she was able to share her passion for the arts by promoting
various productions and cultural organizations such as the Marshall Davis African Heritage Cultural
Center, Deering Estates, Miami Light Project, and the Adrianne Arsht.
Melodi had a fierce eye for details, nuances, and the subtleties of nature. She was blessed with a loving
spirit and listening ear. You could talk to her about anything, and she would listen with intention,
integrity, and interest. Melodi was genuinely concerned about your well-being, and she would do
anything to support you. She would sit back, watch, listen, analyze, pray and move. She left a lasting
impact upon others and she did this freely without expecting anything in return.