Melissa Jones Leonetti, 43, of Fort Mill, SC died as the result of a car accident on Friday, April 5. She is the daughter of Larry G. and Janet Holbert Jones of Cramerton, NC, Melissa grew up in Cary, NC. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from University of West Virginia at Morgantown. She worked as a Social Worker in Charlotte, NC after college and most recently worked in the York County, SC school system. She is a member of the Fort Mill First Baptist Church.
It was in Charlotte that she met, fell in love and married Thomas Leonetti. She was blessed with two precious daughters, Anna Marie, age 11 and Ashley Grace, who recently celebrated her 1st birthday. Becoming a Mother was a gift from God to Melissa and was her greatest joy. Her love for them will be carried in their hearts throughout their lives.
In addition to her husband, children, and parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother Melba W. Holbert of Hendersonville, NC; Parents-in-law John and Sue Leonetti of Chicago, IL; and her aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law and cousins who all loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by all.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday April 11 at 1:00pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with a grave-side service immediately following at 2:00pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Pall bearers will be J. Mark Holbert, Lanny F. Holbert, Jason M. Holbert, Daniel I. Holbert, David A. Holbert and Douglas E. Jones.
There is no words to express and offer in a loss that would offer any adequate condolences.
Please bless Tom and his daughters in such a unfortunate loss to their family.
Respectfully,
Blake, Kyle, Linda and Todd
I cannot describe how sad and grief stricken I am upon hearing this news. Although I haven’t seen Melissa in over twenty years, this tragic event has brought to the surface some fond memories I had when she was just a little girl. During summer vacation to earn some spending money, I would stay with her parents (my cousins) and help paint vacated apartments her mother Janet was managing. I was just a teenager then and I enjoyed entertaining and taking Melissa on bike rides in her neighborhood after work. One summer, I remember going to the lake after her dad Larry purchased a new boat. We did some fishing. As the years passed, we had occasional family visits and I could see how much Melissa had grown. I saw her as an attractive spirited teenager at her uncle Lanny’s wedding. The last time I saw Melissa was at my sister’s wedding and she was a beautiful young lady. I remember dancing with her. I always thought that I would see her again.
Fond memories,
Travis
To Mr. and Mrs. Jones:
My sympathy and compassion go to you in this time of sorrow and loss. Larry, I remember going to church and school with you many years ago. May you and your wife find peace and be blessed.
To the Leonetti Family, Janet & Larry and Holbert families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Melissa Russ. We as family feel this grief so very deeply. We are with you in spirit. May the Lord guide and bless Melissa’s daughters and her husband.
Love, Cousin Melissa Williamson Kelly & Family and Travis Williamson
Tom & Anna,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are sending you many positive thoughts and prayers for strength and understanding. God Bless.
Tom, I’m so sorry to hear of your wife’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. I know she will be missed by all. I’d like to extend by deepest sympathy.
Hi Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My prayers and sympathy to this family. I pray that God gives grace, understanding, and peace to you throughout this difficult time.
Tom, we are so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing we could say to ease your pain but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters. God Bless you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.