JACKSON, Ga. — Vicksburg native Melisa Jane Powers-Oliver, age 39, went to be with our Lord on Aug. 6, 2008, having been fatally injured in an automobile accident. She leaves a legacy of love and inspiration to all privileged to know her smile and helping hand.

A resident of Jackson, Ga., Melisa graduated from college in Arlington, Texas, with a degree in fashion merchandising. As a professional in the retail field, she was well-known and respected by her peers for her expert knowledge and management skills throughout the greater Atlanta area. At the time of her death, she was the manager of the Bed, Bath and Beyond in Peachtree City, Ga.

Melisa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Darvin N. and Mary Powers and Ernest E. Warnock Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Oliver of Jackson, Ga.; her parents, Roger and Deborah Powers and a brother, Mark W. Powers of Southport, N.C.; maternal grandmother, Jane cRoss Warnock of Vicksburg; uncle and aunt, Ernest and Renee Warnock; uncle and aunt, Wayne R. and Cindy Warnock of Frederick, Md.; cousins, Sarah and Edward W. Warnock and Jessica W. Fordinal of Dallas, Texas; mother- and father-in-law, B.J. and Kay Marcum of Georgia; nephew, Josh Powers; nieces, Amanda and Neva Powers; and numerous other relatives.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. P. J. Curley, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family requests memorials in Melisa’s memory be made to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 and to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Honor and Memorial Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.