Melia Adele Black, daughter of Doretha Henderson Black and Raphael O'Hara Black (Carolyn), was born August 6, 1959 in Winston-Salem, NC. She departed this life on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center after a brief illness.

Melia spent most of her life in Winston-Salem, where she graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. Post secondary training included George Washington University, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University from which she received a BS Degree. Her work experience included employment in the fields of accounting and internal audit.

In addition to her birth mother, preceding Melia in death are her grandfather, George Black, Jr. and grandparents, John and Evelyn Bruce.

Among the survivors who will miss her sharp wit and strong opinions are her father and step-mother, Raphael and Carolyn Black; step-brother, Jerry Pullen and wife, Erin of Shawnee, Kansas; numerous cousins including, Evelyn (Fred) Terry, Willis (Gloria) Black, Jr., Dolores McGee, Carolyn Southall, and Donald Henderson of Winston-Salem, NC; other family members; eight special classmates with whom she stayed connected; a loyal friend, the Rev. Pam Phillips; the staff and residents of the Lutheran home in Winston-Salem, NC; and many dear friends and acquaintances.

Melia was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, February 21, 2008 with the Rev. Donald Jenkins, Pastor officiaintg. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 12 Noon until 1:00 pm Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Mission Fund, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.