If there is one thing you knew about Melissa it was her love for others. Melissa was born on March 17th, 1965 in Bryan, Texas. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1988 with a degree in Elementary Education. She then married Brad Kearney whom she first met at Memorial High School in Houston. Faithfully supporting Brads Air Force career, over the next two decades she traveled the world and raised four beautiful children. Melissa loved cheering her children on in all aspects of their lives. She had countless Air Force friends whom she truly loved. Melissa taught kindergarten & pre-school over the years and completed her professional career as a kindergarten teacher in Sanger, TX. She had a true passion for sewing and quilting and would stay up long hours to finish a project for many special people. Additionally, she led the Arizona Quilt Show and achieved her goal of traveling to every single quilt guild chapter in the state prior to putting on a great event in 1996. She was an active church member, frequently teaching Sunday School in many of the churches to which she belonged. Melissa had a deep love for Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls in Hunt, TX where she attended with her sister and aunts, and subsequently sent her daughters. She very much cherished her camp friendships and the many camp traditions, especially War Canoe.

She passed away peacefully after a courageous two year battle with glioblastoma.

In honor of Melissa’s memory, we are carrying forward what she would have done by pouring love into others and encouraging growth. As her children, we felt her unwavering love every single day, and we knew she truly delighted in being our mom. The stories we continue to hear from friends near and far speak of her joy in others - a home that was always open for laughter and life’s conversations, kind and encouraging words offered in times of trial, and a warmth that made everyone feel like family. She would have invited you in, shared a cup of tea, and laughed with you along the way.

Through this foundation, we hope to honor her legacy by serving others with that same love and generosity. Our dream is to give future generations the gift of camp, a place where children can grow in courage, resilience, and joy, while building lifelong friendships and memories, just as we have been blessed to experience.