Melanie Jean Taber, 48, of Morganton, NC, fell asleep in Christ on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and is resting in the arms of her Lord. Born in Burke County, NC on October 21, 1976, she was the daughter of Rev. James Edward Taber and Jeannine Diane Kelley Taber. Melanie was a member of Blessed Hope Fellowship.
In addition to her parents, those left to cherish her memory include her sisters, Jennifer Lynn Taber and Stephanie Ann Taber; Stephanie’s boyfriend, Brian Scott Curtis; Uncle Rev. Clint E. Taber of Kittery, ME; Aunt Jean Copeland Taber of Cape Cod, MA, Uncle Vernon Lee Kelley and wife, Dotty Kelley of Mt. Vernon, OH, and Aunt Rosemary Sue Kelley of Friendship, ME; and numerous first cousins of various states.
Melanie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Horace and Elaine Kelley; paternal grandparents, Clinton and Ruby Taber; Aunt Ruby Taber Plummer and husband Bruce Plummer, Aunt Priscilla Gettney Taber, Uncle Dr. Vincent E. Taber, Uncle Rev. Raymond E. Taber and wife Heather Taber; and one first cousin of New Hampshire.
Melanie is a graduate of Freedom High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Milligan University in Eastern Tennessee. Melanie also earned her 3rd Degree Black Belt in AMAI Taekwondo from Olson’s Martial Arts Academy in Johnson City, TN. She co-founded Taber’s Black Belt Academy in Morganton, NC, along with her sisters. Melanie had the vision for them to begin this martial art school together in their hometown. Melanie also worked as Administrative Assistant at Jonas Ridge Adult Care, Behavioral Tech at North Carolina School for the Deaf, and Team Leader at Burger King.
Melanie had many talents. She played viola in the Milligan University Orchestra. She also played violin and viola in Blessed Hope Fellowship String Ensemble. In addition to orchestra, she played handbells at Milligan University and at her church. Melanie had a talent for learning languages. She loved every culture and learning their language. Melanie was a part of several mission trips, including inner city mission work in Memphis, TN, and Cristo Salva Mission in Honduras. She had a passion for sharing the gospel with everyone that she met. Melanie also had a talent for art seen through her sketches and paintings.
Melanie was a warrior throughout her nine-year journey with metastatic breast cancer, an inspiration to others, and stayed strong in her Faith in God.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Dave Ross officiating. The service will be live-streamed by the funeral home. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to assist with expenses.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Thank u too one off the best karate teachers Ever
Dear Uncle Jim, Aunt Jeanine, Jennifer and Stephanie, I am so sorry I cannot attend Melanies celebration of Life. We have just started a new worship service on Saturdays and it is just Pastor Russell and I leading. Melanie was a vivid testament of God's grace under pressure. Her testimony has reached so many lives. She will be missed by so many , myself included. please know I will be praying for you all during this time. I say with the rest of my family how much we loved her and are grateful for our time knowing her and being her cousin. With Love and joy (will see her at the resurrection day) Sharon and Bruce
My deepest condolences to the whole family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I sure will miss you Mella. You were always so good to me and to my mom and Nana all these years. I know you fought a very brave fight for so long, but now you can rest. Love Clint
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my wand prayers.
So sorry to hear Melanie lost her battle, but she is now resting peacefully. Gloria Smith
...wishing your family peace and courage.
My deepest condolences of the loss Melanie. She was truly a inspiration and testament of her faithfulness to our God. Great is Thy faithfulness is a song that will always remind me of her. Hugs and prayers, Sheri ,Kane and Thomas
Loved Forever, Melanie! Precious memories of your smile, laugh and energetic ways are etched into my my heart. Your unwavering faith in the Lord throughout your illness and encouragement to others is unforgettable. I'm so proud of you Melanie Jean! Love and prayers to your loving parents and sisters! Amen!
To the Taber's I offer my deepest condolences on the transition of your sweet, precious Melanie. I was truly saddened to learn of her leaving. May the good Lord wrap you all in his loving warmth and healing for your sorrow and grief. Please know that I care and am praying for you all. You know that she is at peace now sleeping in the bosom of Jesus.