Melissa Roy Dahlman, 53, of Johnson City, died Nov. 23 at Appalachian Christian Village from complications resulting from Huntington’s disease.

Melissa was a native of Paxton, Ill., where she was an outstanding student, athlete, and leader in the church and community. She graduated at the top of the Paxton High School class of 1977 after earning a variety of honors in academics, excelling in volleyball and track, and leading in several service organizations. Melissa graduated with honors from Milligan College in 1981, earning a degree in human relations and elementary education.

She and her husband served the Platt Bridge Church of Christ in Wigan, England, from 1982 to 1987. During their time there, Melissa led Bible studies, taught children, played piano and organ for worship, offered friendship and hospitality to people in the church and community, and gave birth to two daughters. The family returned to the U.S. in 1987, living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Colorado Springs, Colo., before moving to Johnson City in 1999.

Over the years, Melissa provided loving and dependable day care for dozens of families in her adopted homes. She also worked as a librarian in Colorado Springs. Melissa enjoyed hiking, camping, reading and craftwork. She was an active member of Hopwood Christian Church, serving in the nursery as long as her health allowed.

She is survived by her husband, Simon (Jim), daughters Sarah Dahlman of Johnson City, and Rachael Dahlman Warf and her husband, Corey, of Lexington, Ky.; Melissa’s sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Gary Vance of Loda, Ill.; brother- and sister-in-law Hank and Cindy Dahlman, of Dayton, Ohio; three nephews and a niece; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Darwin and Mildred Roy; grandparents Erwin and Dorthy Roy and Harold and Theresa Vest, all of Paxton, Ill.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Appalachian Christian Village for their kindness and loving care since July 2009; the staff of Caris Healthcare; nursing students of Milligan College; friends and members of Hopwood Christian Church; and many long-time friends and family members.

The memorial service for Melissa will be held Monday, November 26, 2012, at 11:00 A.M., in Hopwood Christian Church, with Dr. Tim Ross, Minister, officiating.

The family will receive friends Monday prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 A.M. at the church.

Gifts and memorials may be sent to Appalachian Christian Village, 309 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN 37601; the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018; or Hopwood Christian Church, P.O. Box 149, Milligan College, TN 37682.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Dahlman family. 928-6111