Melissa Vance Poplar

Melissa Vance Poplar, 44, transitioned on Tuesday, December 4, 2025, in Lamar, MS.

Melissa Diratha Vance Popler was born on May 25, 1981, to Billy Joe Vance and Ruthie B. Hill Vance, in Ripley, MS.

Melissa confessed Christ at an early age at Union Hill Baptist Church, Ashland, MS.

She loved cooking, reading books, spending time with her grandkids, singing, never a stranger to anyone.

Melissa leaves to cherish her memories: Father Billy Joe Vance of Memphis, TN; Mother Ruth B. Hill Vance of Millington, TN; husband Willie Poplar of Lamar, MS; one  son: Elijah Vance of Memphis, TN; one daughter: Markeedria Stewart of LaGrange, TN; five stepchildren; three sisters: Rodney Smith of Millington, TN, Pamela Smith-Williams (Quinton) of Ashland, MS, Jacqueline Scott (Wallace) of Olive Branch, MS;  four grandchildren: Eniyah, Isiah, Khalil, and Ava, a host aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her daughter Brittany Vance.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Union Hill M.B. Church, 295 Union Hill Road, Ashland, MS  38603.

Body will lie in state one hour before service time.

Burial will take place Williams Temple Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1845 Candy Owens Road, Moscow, TN 38057.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS.

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