Melody K. Stills
Melody was the embodiment of strength wrapped in gentleness. A devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant of God, she lived her life with compassion, grace and unwavering faith. Her motto throughout her battle was “faith over fear,” and she carried those words not only in illness but in every season of her life.
Melody’s early years were spent in Warsaw, NY. At age 6, she moved with her family to Asheville, NC. Melody was in the Roberson School District until her sophomore year of high school when she transferred to AC Reynolds High School in Fairview, NC. Melody was involved in chorus and was an enthusiastic and talented art student. She graduated from high school in 1991.
Melody attended Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory for about a year after her graduation and studied commercial art but found this did not match her expectations.
She later attended Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College as a young mother of two daughters and later transferred to Western Carolina University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in speech language pathology.
Twenty-five years ago, Melody moved her family to Laurinburg, where she quickly became a beloved and active member of the community. Her warmth, kindness, and servant’s heart left a lasting mark on neighbors, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Melody participated in many church related events, was a girl scout leader and never missed an opportunity for fun and adventure. She enjoyed swimming, visiting beaches, mountains and waterfalls, attending concerts and participating in various community activities. She was a great cook and baker of sweets and loved to coordinate and host gatherings with her family and friends. In addition to her human family, she was supported by her canine companions, BJ (Blackjack) and Eugene who were by her side through it all, protecting her and comforting her.
Melody found joy in the simple and beautiful things like creating art, getting lost in a good book, and traveling to new places. She saw God’s hand in every sunset, every conversation, and every opportunity to serve. Her faith was not only something she professed; it was something she lived daily in the way she cared for everyone she encountered.
As a dedicated speech language pathologist, Melody poured her heart into her work. She loved every single one of her students dearly, celebrating their progress, advocating for their needs, and believing fiercely in their potential. To many children and families, she was more than a teacher, she was a steady source of encouragement, patience, and hope.
Her last years of work were with Speech Solutions, where she had a supportive work family. Even when Melody’s illness became a challenge, she continued working on a limited basis through telehealth from her bed. This was not a hardship for her, but it was a joy to be able to continue the work that meant so much to her.
Above all, Melody’s greatest joy was her family. She loved fiercely and unconditionally. her children and granddaughter were the light of her life and the center of her world. She connected with each of her children in different ways and appreciated them for who they were individually. Melody’s legacy is one of love, faith, resilience, and selfless service. Her impact will continue in the lives of her children, her granddaughter, her siblings and parents, her friends, her students, and the countless people she uplifted with her kindness.
Though cancer tested her body, it never dimmed her spirit. She fought with courage, grace, and a positive attitude that inspired all who walked beside her. Even in her hardest days, she offered encouragement to others. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered. Her life was a testament to the power of faith over fear.
Melody was preceded in death by her mother Barbara Rowland Kelley, uncles Daniel Rowland, Bruce Rowland, maternal grandparents Carl Franklin Rowland and Marian Rising Rowland, paternal grandparents Wilbur “Bill” Kelley and Ida Aultman Kelley.
Melody is survived by her children Harmony Sjodin, Serena Stills and Colt Lowry, granddaughter Aniya Stills, her stepdaughter Erin Lowry and her step grandkids Na’kayden Lowry, Jay’lee Lowry, Da’laney Lowry, Son in law Cody Richless, parents Kerry and Sharon Kelley, siblings Sherry Holder, Carl Kelley Connie Kelley, best friend and honorary sister Angie Lassiter.
If you would like to honor Melody, donations can be made in her name to The American Cancer Society or UNICEF.
Visitation with family will be at 1:30 pm and Celebration of Life will be at 2 pm at Lighthouse Nation church,14681 Rea Magnet Rd, Laurinburg, NC 28352 on Saturday, February 21, 2026.