Melissa Ann Laton

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melissa Ann Laton. Melissa left her earthly home on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 21.

Born on January 6, 2005, Melissa lived her life with love, kindness, and unwavering dedication. She was a 2023 graduate of Washington County High School. In 2023, while still in high school, Melissa began pursuing her passion for the medical field by earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certification through Coastal Alabama Community College. In 2025, she graduated with a double major Associate Degree in General Science and General Education. Melissa was a dedicated employee of Chatom Primary Care, where she loved her coworkers and patients as if they were family.

Melissa was an active member of Tibbie Baptist Church. In her free time, she enjoyed antiquing, thrifting, planting flowers, and shopping. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family, friends, and her beloved boyfriend, Luke. Melissa and Luke shared a love for the outdoors, especially days spent on the river with their two loyal dogs, Miller and Kate. Melissa was truly filled with joy. She brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone she met. Her radiant spirit and loving heart will forever remain in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving mother, Jennifer Bailey; her father, Greg Laton; her brothers, Gerrett (Dekota) Laton and Blake Laton; her grandparents, Rusty and Burnette Parnell and Don and Betty Laton; her aunts, Alana (Nick) Massey, Beverly (Ben) Atchison, and Sondra (David) Upchurch; her nephew, Bradley Laton; her niece, Emilie Laton; and her cousins, Jacob Mitchell, Abigail Mitchell, Cooper Massey, Brooke (Blane) Dolbare, Tyler (Dacy) Atchison, Miranda (Josh) Langelier, and Seth (Rachel) Palmer.

Melissa was preceded in death by her boyfriend, Luke Dorman; her brother, Michael Caleb Bailey; and her great-grandparents, Burnie and Stella Howard, Rufus and Julia Parnell, John Robert and Minnie Williams, Cyrus Laton Jr, and Eugene and Nora Waites.

Pallbearers will be Gage Whigham, Landon Whigham, Sawyer Sullivan, Bryce Sullivan, Jon Houston Warr, Alec Richardson, Garrett Dempsey, and Hunter Singleton.

Honorary Pallbearers are her work family at Chatom Primary Care, Tyler Atchison, Seth Palmer, Jacob Mitchell and Dean Turner.

Psalms 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.