Melissa Alene Hart

Melissa Alene Hart, 45, of Atlantic, VA, lost her fight with Pancreatic Cancer on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Melissa was born on May 2, 1978, in Nassawadox, VA.  She was the beloved daughter of Marilyn and Robert (Bud) Martin and the late William Hart Jr.  Melissa spent her life serving her community volunteering at Oak Hall Rescue and Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue, dispatching for 911 at the Chincoteague Police Department, Accomack County Sheriff’s Department, and Wallops Flight Facility, and giving her time to many fundraisers and charities.  As her life partner, Ivan S. Cowan, says “She adopted animals and humans.”  She spent many hours with the community at large, even taking on what she called her favorite hobby of working at Captain Zack’s Seafood with some of her good friends; Tammy and Crystal.  Melissa attended Accomack County Schools, involved in sports and band.  She attended Atlantic Methodist Church as a child and Sonrise Baptist Church in Berlin, MD as an adult.

Melissa was preceded in death by her aunt (Margie Buchanan), her uncle (Richard Hayes), her maternal grandparents (Benjamin and Marjorie Hayes), and her paternal grandfather (William Hart Sr.).  Melissa is survived by her 2 beautiful daughters; Brianna Hudson (Josh) of Atlantic, VA, and Nicolette Vickers of Wallops Island, VA, and 2 grandchildren; Reed and Ava.  In addition to her 2 sisters; Tina Hohenstein (Aaron) of Denton, MD, and Carrie Washington (Jay) of Parksley, VA, 5 nephews; Chris Josey (Sarah) of Bowie, MD, Nick Josey of Denton, MD, Darren West of Pocomoke, MD, Robbie Washington of Parksley, VA, and Alec Hohenstein (Caitlin) of Denton, MD 2 nieces; Elizabeth Liddle of Exmore, VA, and Kylie Rovenolt (Adam) of Denton, MD many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that she considered family.

Services will be held at Atlantic Baptist Church on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 1 pm with Reverend Richard Inman and Reverend John Higginbotham officiating.  There will be a reception following the service at Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue.  In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Intrepid USA Hospice at Home at 165 Market Street Suite 2 Onancock, VA 23417, and Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue at 10071 Atlantic Road Atlantic, VA 23303.

Melissa will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone that knew her.

Online condolences can be given at www.salyerfh.com. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc Chincoteague Island, VA. 

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