WINDSOR—Melanie Anne &uot;Mimmi&uot; Meadows DeGroft, 30, died unexpectedly June 23, 2008, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Mrs. DeGroft was born April 27, 1978, to Clarence James Meadows Jr. and Kathy Lynne Meadows of Suffolk.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus as her Savior; this was not only clear by her words but was even more evident through her actions. Throughout her life, she had always taken an active role with her church, and for the past two years she had been a member of Mill Swamp Baptist Church.

To know her, was to know Christ and

knowing her, one could only love her. During her last semester in high school, she met her one

true love, Joshua Verne DeGroft.

They were married May 3, 1997, in Suffolk. Throughout their marriage, Melanie supported Josh unconditionally, and they were best friend.

The love that was shared created a bond that provided a Christian home. She would do anything for her husband and children; her love and presence will never be forgotten. She found no challenge that she could not overcome.

She graduated from Nansemond River High School in just three years. After high school, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, with honors.

Following graduation, she obtained certification as a CPA and CMA. She applied her education and certifications through her employment as an auditor for such prestigious companies as Ernst & Young (Richmond), Owens Corning (Wilmington, N.C.) and, at the time of death, Smithfield Foods Packing Division (Smithfield).

She was a well-respected employee, and her colleagues will miss her dedication, loyalty and work ethic.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leroy Jones, Clarence Meadows Sr. and Louise Meadows; and great-grandparents, Alethia Sexton &uot;Mamaw&uot;, Rufus Sexton &uot;PaPaw&uot;, Granny Younger and Grandma Pearl.

Survivors include her husband, Joshua DeGroft; two children, Alli and J.C. DeGroft; parents, Jimmy and Kathy Meadows; grandmother, Lerelene Jones; brother and his wife, Bryan and Malia Meadows and their daughter, Payton Meadows; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life and burial was held Thursday at Mill Swamp Baptist Church. The Revs. Jim Jones and Billy Gardner

officiated.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Melanie DeGroft Memorial Education Fund, c/o Bank of America, P.O. Box 386, Smithfield, VA 23431.

Arrangements were in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 1515 S. Church St., Smithfield.