Melissa A. Smith

On August 1, 2026, Melissa A. Smith passed away peacefully at the age of 84 in her Hopewell home. Born and raised in Hopewell, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Emily Aderholt (nee Platt).

Caring for others was Melissa's calling, as she was a devoted and loving wife and mother. After finishing her studies at High School, she was accepted to the University of Virginia School of Nursing. She received her Registered Nurse certificate in 1963. After working in hospitals for many years, Melissa returned to school at the University of Mary Washington (Mary Washington College), earning her degree in Historic Preservation in 1985. She was proud to be awarded a distinguished internship from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Melissa later returned to nursing, serving as a public health nurse for the remainder of her career.

She volunteered with several organizations and dedicated much more of her time after retiring from nursing. She was a member of the Nathaniel Causey Garden Club, as was her mother. She was in the Woman's Club of St. John's Episcopal Church and also served on the vestry.

Melissa was predeceased by her brother, Kirk Aderholt, and former husband, John C. Spivey. She is survived by her daughters, Kristin Spivey and Elizabeth Westbank (nee Spivey); sister, Suzanne (Brian) Sebenaler (nee Aderholt); and granddaughters, Allison and Sarah Westbank. Melissa's extensive family was central to her life and happiness. This included her sister-in-law, Paige Aderholt former husband, Laurel Smith, and his family, Brad and Lenore Smith, and Suzanne and Christophe Louvel, and their all children, Lexia, Brody, and Alexandra. Melissa's numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins were all important in her life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11am at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hopewell. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Melissa are invited to celebrate her memory. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting organizations that are important to her. Donations may be made in honor of Melissa to St. John's Episcopal Church, https://www.stjohnshopewell.org or The John Randolph Foundation's Hopewell-Prince George Community Health Center Endowed Fund, https://johnrandolphfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1048. 

The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.