A brilliant soul has journeyed home. With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we remember the extraordinary life of Melissa “Mia” Williams Ferguson— a woman of compassion, strength, and undeniable light. She wore many titles in her lifetime: mother, grandmother, nurse, survivor, leader, advocate, gamer, writer, and friend. And she carried each with grace and fierce dedication.

Melissa was a devoted mother to Kristofer Trice (Kristen), Danny Strong Jr. (Ta’), William T. Howard, Kameron S. Howard, all of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Amber Trice-Woodard (Zacc) of Nashville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Geoffrey Nathan Keith Nelson and her cherished father Avery Ewing Williams.

She is lovingly survived by her mother Nancy Horrocks and stepfather Jack Horrocks of New Zealand; her brothers Keith Williams of Lewisburg, TN, Derek Williams of Columbia, TN; and her sister Karyn Williams of Estill Springs, TN. She was also a proud and loving grandmother, whose family was the center of her universe.

Melissa’s heart was vast, her compassion limitless. A retired nurse who cared for people across the globe, she volunteered tirelessly to support the homeless and abused women and children, always stepping in where help was needed most. She founded a support group for people with adrenal tumors, offering strength, education, and solidarity to those walking difficult roads.

Her achievements were many. She held multiple academic degrees, and her humanitarian work was recognized internationally. She was honored in Istanbul, Turkey, by a prominent Turkish NGO for her work with homeless Muslims and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for her service to those in need.

Melissa lived with boldness and authenticity. A gifted writer and poet, she found healing and expression through her words, capturing beauty even in pain. She was a natural storyteller, working on books filled with insight and heart — with the pen name Aria Vale, her creative spirit lives on.

A true survivalist at heart, she found peace in nature — fishing, camping, and living off the land with fearless joy. In her digital life, she was known as MzLadyFerg, a respected gamer and alliance leader who brought people together with humor, wisdom, and compassion.

Melissa was talented in countless ways.

She healed with her hands, lifted others with her voice, and built lasting legacies with her mind and spirit. To know her was to be seen, supported, and loved.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest easy, warrior—your mission is complete.”