Melanie Dawn Brizendine, 54, of New Castle, Virginia joined her lord and savior Friday, July 19, 2024.
She was born Nov. 22, 1969, to Victoria Jones LaPrad and Ephram David LaPrad. Melanie was a faithful member of Grace Assembly of God, serving faithfully for over 20 years. Melanie was highly respected for her teaching and involvement within the youth ministry. Melanie was employed with Anthem for 25 years, before that she worked 10 years with the New Castle Sewing Plant.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Victoria Jones Francisco; brother, Travis LaPrad; and grandparents Fred and Noline Jones and Ephram and Mary Ellen LaPrad.
She will be sadly missed by her husband, Mick Brizendine; children Olivia LaPrad, Jesse Brizendine and daughter-in-law Danielle Brizendine, and Matthew Brizendine and daughter-in-law Jessica; and “Mel Mel’s” special granddaughter Harley. Also left to treasure her memories are sister Angel Hedge and husband Chuck; brother Wiley Francisco; stepsister Teanna Hutton and husband Joey; sister-in-law Rachelle LaPrad; nieces and nephews Cole Hedge, Grace Hedge, Noah LaPrad, Trevyn Francisco, Tyra Hutton, Jayla Hutton; father David LaPrad; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Lloyd and Carole Brizendine. She was a cherished member of her church community and leaves behind countless friends who were impacted by her faith and unending love.
A funeral service to honor her memory was held Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Grace Assembly of God, Catawba, Va. with Pastor Loraine Taylor officiating. The family received friends prior to the service. The burial was held privately with her family at the Francisco Family Cemetery in Catawba. Pallbearers were Noah LaPrad, Cole Hedge, Trevyn Francisco, Garret Patsel, Hunter Brizendine, and Malichi Patsel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Grace Assembly Youth Ministry. McCoy Funeral Home of Blacksburg is serving the Brizendine family.
