Melanie Ann Brown Davis' Obituary
Melanie was born to Russell H. Brown, Jr. and Carolyn Brown on February 17, 1954 in Bryan Texas. Melanie grew up as a middle child, with an older sister and a younger brother. She attended grade school in the small town of Alice, Texas, and was an active little girl with many interests. She graduated from Alice High School in 1972 and attended Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) in San Marcos, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in 1975. Melanie also met Douglas B. Davis while there (in history class) whom she married in 1976. They lived in Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, and Dallas, Texas.
Taking up many hobbies, Melanie liked keeping her hand busy. She discovered working with textiles while in grade school, mainly from watching both grandmothers on various projects and becoming intrigued. Starting with a patchwork apron for her “Mamaw” she progressed to apparel that followed the fashion trends of the 60s and 70s, making many of her clothes. While in junior high she and a friend perfected “bell bottom” jeans by pegging the legs of Wrangler jeans. She took pride in these and also in constructing matching western shirts for guys and gals attending western dances.
Her favorite memories of childhood days were those made at the family’s “lake house” on the Nueces River, at a development known as Buck-Eye Knoll near Mathis, Texas. The family spent many summer days there and it’s where she enjoyed having sleep overs with girlfriends, occasionally entertaining Camp Fire Girls and MYF groups, water skiing, swimming, a little bit of fishing, and good summer fun with all. It was her father Russell, a petroleum engineer, and her mother, Carolyn, an educator, who purchased that small frame house in Orange Grove, Texas and had it moved to the location on the river. To hear it from Melanie, those were her very best childhood experiences.
While at SWTSU, Melanie began working with denim, creating patchwork jeans that became recognized across the college campus. You could say she was “commissioned” to do a special project by and for a boyfriend. After telling him the jeans were not yet finished, she went to a party attended by many freshmen. Not only was she surprised but a bit embarrassed - one of the first people she ran into was the boyfriend! He was in such awe of her artwork covering his jeans, he forgave her. They were married several years later.
While in College Station a short time later with her husband pursuing an engineering degree, Melanie worked for the Texas A&M University system primarily at the School of Veterinary Medicine. In her spare time, she continued to take up anything with a needle and thread, constructing denim sofa cushions, pillows and even quilting. She created intricate embroidery artwork and developed exceptional tailoring skills. Before leaving College Station, she began working for a custom drapery business where her interest in home décor began to grow. Melanie utilized most all of these skills for years to come.
After moving to Corpus Christi, she and her husband were elated with the arrival of their son, Clinton Errol Davis, late in 1981. Raising a child became everything to her and her primary focus was her family. She loved being a mom. Taking a different route while in Corpus Christi, Melanie began working in the legal field as a legal assistant. She was able to balance both motherhood and being a working mom on a part time basis. At some point, they acquired a soling sailboat and with her husband at the helm, they all three enjoyed sailing on their boat (“Sting”) in Corpus Christi Bay. She loved being outdoors as long as she was warm.
As a family they moved to Dallas in 1983. Melanie continued working in the legal field for many years. She was employed primarily at 2 law firms while in Dallas: Thompson & Knight in the mid-‘80s through the early ‘90s, and at Cooper & Scully P.C. from the early ‘90s, until her retirement in 2018, and was a dedicated employee. She loved working downtown as it felt to her like the heartbeat of the city, and she appreciated the professional atmosphere of those she worked with. Of course, the fine arts and music drew her into the city as well.
Melanie continued her artistic talents, although not as freely, while employed and being the best mom she could be. Even though she could not merge her talents exactly, her keen eye and close attention to detail came into play in whatever realm she was working in. She didn’t mind working hard at the office and liked keeping busy.
Melanie completed several hand-stitched quilts, one of which, made in the Maple Leaf pattern, earned her an honorary mention in the State Fair of Texas in 1989, and it was on exhibit there. If challenged to create an item, such as a costume, she would occasionally accept. She considered costumes a challenge and fun to work on but a favorite project of hers was a denim seat cover for her son’s bench seat in his Ford F150.
She and her son enjoyed taking road trips together in the summers to visit friends and visiting in south Texas. They especially enjoyed a vacation to Washington D.C. in about 2000 where Melanie realized she had become a “senior.” It was Clinton who was the experienced one to navigate the sites they chose and catching the subway. Amid family, jobs and hobbies, close to her heart was her church. Melanie and her young son became members of Walnut Hill United Methodist Church (now Walnut Hill Church, a Ministry of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church). Melanie was involved in the Children’s Ministry as a Sunday School teacher for approximately 10 years at the elementary level, and taught confirmation classes for 2 of those years. During difficult times, such as divorce, Melanie would let you know that the only constants in her life were her church and her faith.
The formation of her faith was shaped primarily by her parents, her grandparents who would enroll her in vacation Bible school while visiting with them, a regular baby sitter who would read Bible stories to her when sitting in the baby sitter’s lap, a very close friend from Alice where they grew up together, all those whom she crossed paths with in her church, and a neighborhood Bible study group in Dallas. After her retirement, Melanie was unable to participate in activities of her church, which was an area of disappointment for her. Her church was still close to her heart, and she kept her church in her prayers.
Melanie lived valiantly with Scleroderma for over 35 years. It was not obvious to others, and she was quite active during most of these years until the time of her retirement. It was Clinton, her son, that she was closest to, who supported her through this illness and who kept her going.
Melanie is survived by her son Clinton Errol Davis of Dallas, Texas; sister, Nancy Brown Thayer of Montgomery, Texas, nieces Kimberly Running (Jon) of Frisco, Texas and Renee Wilkerson (Ben) of Pearland, Texas; and brother, Russell Duke Brown (Becky) of Southlake, Texas, niece Shelby Bush (J.D. ) of Lilburn, Georgia, nephews Philip Brown of Southlake, Texas, and Pearce Brown (Rachel) of Dallas, Texas; and great nieces and nephews Abigail, Olivia, Camille, Esther, Alice, Hannah, Daniel and Micah.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19th, at 1:00pm at Walnut Hill Church, A Ministry of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 10066 Marsh Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walnut Hill Church.
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