Melanie Jean Taber

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.