Melissa Chaplin

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Melissa Chaplin on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 56. Melissa was a loving wife, daughter, aunt, sister, mother, grandmother and godmother as well as a strong woman of faith. Born in Albany, GA on July 13, 1966, she was a daughter of Dorothy Kegler and the late Willie Kegler. After graduating high school, she studied nursing at college. She then joined the U.S. Army where she completed eight years of honorable service in the U.S., Iraq and Germany. During her service she met her first husband, Johnny and they raised two children, Tomeka and Raphael. Melissa married her second husband Alex in 2015, becoming a second mom to Jessica. During this time Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Liberty University. Alex and Melissa enjoyed a rich life together as empty nesters visiting and celebrating with family and friends in Georgia, Alabama, and the Northeast. Melissa had a passion for shopping, decorating, and a keen eye for detail. She was a woman who defended what she believed in, fought for what she wanted and usually won. Melissa was a warrior who never gave in, never gave up and continued fighting until the last spark of life was gone. She held firm to her faith throughout. Though most will remember the fighter, Melissa would also give words of advice, encouragement, inspiration and show deep compassion to friends and those she held dear. Melissa had one sister preceding her in death, Patricia. Melissa leaves behind to mourn her, her husband, Alex; children, Tomeka, Raphael and Jessica; mother, Dorothy; sister, Hattie; brothers, Rodriguez, Demetrius, Yardley and Francis; and many other family and friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 5 pm on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 5 pm. A committal service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. The family respectfully asks that no photos or video be taken. Masks are optional. Any family or friends who are unable to attend the service for Melissa may live stream the funeral service by clicking here.

Melissa Chaplin

July 13, 1966 - January 12, 2023