Obituary of Melody Ann Thurmond

December 5, 1960 - August 15, 2021 Melody Ann Thurmond (Meshell), 60, long time resident of the Florida Panhandle gained her angel wings on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Melody was born in Shreveport, LA on December 5, 1960. She was married to the love of her life Erwin G. Thurmond II (J.R.) on July 20, 1984, after 5 years of courtship, resulting in a 42 year once in a lifetime epic love story. Melody was a devoted and proud wife, mother and Mae Mae. She lived her life full of Joy and Adventure. Her animated laugh was contagious. She had a hippie soul and gypsy heart. Melody never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone she met feel special. She had a special gift of accepting and helping everyone from every walk of life with no judgement or conditions Melody touched the lives of everyone she encountered in a positive way. She was a devoted wife and mother who lived and breathed for her husband and the family they created together. She lived every day of her life creating a happy place to call home for J.R. She was an extraordinary woman. If you were part of her tribe, you were part of her tribe for life! No Questions Asked! Melody was preceded in death by her parents William W. and Virginia A. Sherman, and her brother Byron Marcus Sherman. Melody is survived by her husband J.R. Thurmond, her daughter and son-in-law Virginia "Gini" D. and Nathan Gunn of Fort Walton Beach, FL and her son and daughter-in-law, Erwin "Griffin" and Patsy Thurmond of Plant City, FL. Her Pride and Joy the Grandchildren, Hayley Marie, Nathan Allen, Daitin Griffin, Claire Ann-Marie and Kayden Denise. Her Sister Stacie Marie Milligan (Larry Wright) of Oil City, LA and two sisters-in-law, Patty Hudson and Brenda McClintock (Thurmond). Her nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Nathan), Travis "T.J." (Abbey), Roy Jacob, Heidi (Jake), and Alex, 5 great-nieces and nephews and many other extended family and friends. Per Melody's wishes she wants us to celebrate her memory in style and not mourn her in black clothes in a sad ceremonious setting. Her family will announce a celebration at a later date. In the meantime we ask that you do something in true "Melody Style" in her memory and share it with us. Chill with friends for a good time, drink a margarita, go junk shopping, wear something tie dyed, hunt for cool rocks, take a motorcycle ride, let your hair blow in the wind, turn up the music and sing along, dance in the rain, or help someone in need!!! Flowers are welcome however, it is the family's request that a donation be made in her memory to the William Syndrome Association at https://williams-syndrome.org in honor of her very special nephew Roy Jacob Milligan.