I loved Melissa Perkins and her precious children from the first day I met them. She was fiercely protective & never did I worry if she was looking after my youngest at a dance convention or comp. We shared many a laugh in the wee hours of mornings when we’d both be punchy from breathing in too much E6000 rhinestoning the girl’s costumes. I shared with the family a video I took of Melissa at a particularly special memory from Christmastime 2012. I didn’t live close to the studio like most everyone else, so I’d hang out with Miss while she covered the KHart store inside DCDF. One night she got very emotional talking about a special student that was non verbal named Brandi. She was 17 & about to graduate from Melissa’s program. She wanted to give her a ‘voice’ she could take home with her when her time in the program was over. She told me, “she has so much to say” and with the new technology on iPads, Melissa had taught her to use the device but she knew once she graduated, she would be silenced again. I told her I was certain we could get Brandi the needed items for her Voice. In the video there are many tears of joy - and squeals of delight. In the days that followed she would thank me numerous times for my help with her Christmas project. She once said, ‘I wish I could repay you’…. I said, “You do that every single day. I know if a day ever comes that I cannot be here for my baby - you will be there for her. You’d never let her walk onstage in the wrong costume and you’d certainly never let anyone walk off with her. I can’t put a price on the peace that brings me.” Melissa is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever known. Her gifts of her talents and of herself are immeasurable. Her 3 beautiful babies are shining examples of God’s Light shining through them and their mother’s love that will light the path they travel for all their lives. When I saw Melissa just 6 weeks ago - I never thought that would be the last time I would see her welcoming smile, big pretty eyes & perfectly coiffed hair- I would have definitely made her take one of my infamously bad selfies with me. I will miss you my friend and I will love your babies that are so so much of you until I see you again~ Godspeed my friend. ❤️

Many sweet memories of Missy. Such a delightful young girl who was always inducing lots of smiles and giggles. Here's a faded picture of her and Jeff(rey) from a 1984 album I have. Prayers of comfort and peace for all of the family.

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You were a true friend and worked so hard to take care of your kids . You have accomplished so much !! No matter how hard it was you made it happen for your kids! We love you amd will miss you We will all make sure your babies are taken care of. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.