Melanie Kay "Mel" Harris

On May 25, 2026 at the age of 53, Melanie received her Heavenly wings following a sudden health decline, leaving a legacy of joy and resilience.

Melanie Kay “Mel” Harris entered this world on May 28, 1972, in the community of Williamson, WV, born to George Artis, Sr. and Pastor Debra Booker.

Melanie attended and graduated from Capital High School and WVSU majoring in Education. She loved to write poems, read a variety of books, teach children, and tell “EVERYONE” about the goodness of God. Melanie attended Lion of Judah where she was a faithful member under the ministry of Pastor Kathy Clark. She was a woman deep in faith who loved the Lord with all of her heart. She was baptized at the age of 12 years old. As Melanie grew older, she became interested in the word of God. She was faithful and loved attending church activities. As an adult, she taught young teens in some of the churches that she attended. Melanie was gifted and faithful in her servanthood.

Before her in passing was her loving husband, David Harris and her brother, George Artis, Jr. Their reunion now graces the Heavens, a testament to enduring family bonds.

Left to honor and remember Melanie’s life are her parents, George and Debra; brother, Pastor Robert Cunningham, Jr. (Versa) of Lift Church of God in Christ located in Salina, KS; and sisters, Doris Cunningham, Brittany Artis, Krystal and Star Booker. Her legacy lives on through her nephews, Ra’Shaud Kincaid and Joshua Cunningham; and nieces, Shyra Cunningham, Christina Cook (Taylor) and MaKayla Cunningham. Especially close to her heart were her cousins, Ceateetra Gourd and Cassaundra Blackmon; and her Aunt Carmen and Uncle Chucky Blackmon. We will miss her presence dearly, as will a multitude of cousins and a tapestry of loyal friends (Pastor Hogan and First Lady Mary Hogan, Sarah Miller, Renee and Dee Pitts, Valerie Saunders and Teresa Logan) along with extended family members, each carrying a piece of her heart.

Thank you to the Hubbard Hospice House who provide compassionate care and shifted focus from just treating Melanie’s illness to caring for her as a whole person, acknowledging her physical, emotional, and psychological needs. The staff showed empathy, respect, communication, comfort, and kindness.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Reverend Charles Blackmon officiating.

Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net