Melanie Thornburg Deatherage of Eden, North Carolina made her homecoming on May 8th, 2021, just two days shy of her 80th birthday. Wife to Clyde Deatherage, mother to Elisa Haynes (Bryant), Greg Deatherage (Amanda), Jason Deatherage (Jennifer), Elizabeth Edwards (John), and sister to Jan Thornburg (Joan), Melanie is one of the most memorable humans you will have ever met. Always up for an adventure, she never questioned who, what, or where – she just asked when she needed to be ready. No matter what the adventure, you are guaranteed to come back with a good story or two or seven. And if you ever needed a lesson in love, acceptance, or forgiveness, all you had to do was observe – though she may not be the most outspoken person you will have ever met, she is one who lived by those quiet values and led by example. Melanie was the thunder when it rained, and the sun when it shined. If it could grow, she planted and grew it. If it needed a home, she provided it and loved it.

Preceded in death, Melanie has undoubtedly had a long-awaited homecoming with her mother and father, Ida and Hal Thornburg, and grandson, Caleb Deatherage.

Awaiting their heavenly reunion, Melanie leaves her devoted, loving husband of 60+ years, Clyde. Through the perfect and imperfect moments of life, together they faced it all – strong in their faith and conviction that the Lord IS their savior, nothing was impossible for them. Together they raised 4 strong, and uniquely individual children – embracing their differences and loving them for who they are. Those children brought into the family 5 wonderful grandchildren: Clara Haynes, Gabrielle Deatherage, Ethan Deatherage, Caleb Deatherage, and Jacob Deatherage. To the child that went the pet route, the furry grandchildren include: Jackson, Cricket, Cookie, and Ollie.

It feels odd calling mom, Melanie, so I finish with calling her mom. Mom grew up in Greensboro and graduated from Grimsley High School. Mom obtained her nursing degree, and for over 30+ years touched countless lives as a labor and delivery nurse and during "retirement" as a nurse in cancer care. She has a large extended family of cousins for whom she remembers fondly. If you know mom, you knew a few things about her – she loves her family deeply, she has a passion for life and lived it to the fullest, she had a smile that lit up the room, she never met a stranger, she has an adventurous and mischievous spirit, and to lose her is to lose a part of life that will never be filled. Mom, there are not words to express the hole felt right now. I love you more. Until we meet again.

Mom will lay in state at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 11th. The funeral service is 2pm graveside on Wednesday, May 12th at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC, with our family Reverend Johnny Roberts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of her passions, the 4-H horse program: "Rockin Riders 4-H Club," 630 Mayfield Road, Ruffin, NC 27326. Additionally, Hospice of Rockingham County have been pivotal in helping her and us through her transition, and donations to them in lieu of flowers are appreciated.