Melissa Jane Taylor Tackett, formerly of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away July 23, 2026 in Jackson, Mississippi.  Melissa was born March 27, 1955 in Batesville, Arkansas, to Euel and Elsie Taylor.  She graduated from Batesville High School and Mississippi Delta Community College.  A former lab technician, she spent several years in the field before becoming a homemaker.  She later moved to Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Melissa loved animals and enjoyed riding horses.  Reading and traveling were two of her favorite pastimes.  She was a Life Member of the Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters, Dr. Beverly Brink and Jenny Mack.  She is survived by her children, Katie Mills (Jonathan) and Brad Tackett (Lauren), her grandchildren, Grace Tackett, William Mills, Carter Tackett and Henry Mills, her sister, Janis Toste, and a number of nephews.

A memorial service at Locust Grove Cemetery in Locust Grove, Arkansas, will take place at a later date.  Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made in Melissa's name to the Leflore County Humane Society.