May 2, 1969 – Jan. 24, 2019

NATCHEZ — Services for Melissa Lynn Brown Holder, 49, of Madison, who died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Ferriday, will be 2 p.m. Sunday, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from noon until service time Sunday at the funeral home.
Melissa was born May 2, 1969, in New Orleans, the daughter of John Walter Brown Jr. and Joan Elizabeth Hicks Brown.
She attended Cathedral School and South Natchez High School. She was a homemaker.
Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Mary Alice Hicks and Jake and Rose Brown; and a cousin, Nicholas Pastor.
Survivors include her husband, Derrick Holder; three children, Meghan Little and husband, Trace, of Cullman, Ala., Jacob Ryan Holder and Bailey Elise Holder, both of Madison; two grandchildren, Savannah Lynn Little and Shelby Alexandra Little, both of Cullman; her mother of Lake St. John; her father and wife, Missy, of Natchez; five siblings, Walt J. Brown and wife, Lashon, of Natchez, Patrick K. Brown of Ridgeland, Michael V. Brown and wife, Ashley, of New Brockton, Ala., Matthew Brown of Denver, and Hester Rose Brown of Stockton, Calif.; six nieces and nephews, Abigail E. Brown, Faith Anne Brown, Michael V. Brown Jr., Madeline E. Brown, Catherine A. Brown and William J. Brown; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Melissa loved her family, especially her two granddaughters, Savannah and Shelby.
She was a sweet, gentle soul with a special affinity for all animals.
Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, Cathedral School or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.