Melissa Coronado

Melissa Coronado, 66, of Grand Junction, went home to be with the Lord on December 16, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Garden Street Baptist with Jimmy Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Melissa was born February 2, 1957, in Carlsbad, NM to Barbara Lou Parrish and Damon Dale Parrish.  She spent a large part of her life serving God and attending Emmanual Gospel Church and later Garden Street Baptist. She is the proud mom of her three children, Deryl, Amy and Travis. She left a legacy of her faith as well as her fun-loving and silly personality. She loved to say “it’s a good thing I’m cute” while dancing and laughing. She adored her grandkids and especially her great grandkids. The desire of her heart was to rescue and provide a loving home for dogs in need. She had a special place in her heart for her rescues, Charlie and Hooch. She also had a servant heart and loved caring for family and community.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Barbara and Damon); step-father, Roy Laney, uncle, Fred Prewitt, niece Janna Dossey and nephew Ryan Parrish. She is survived by her children, Deryl Palmer and wife Yvonne, Amy Johns and husband Brian and Travis Shepard and wife Niressa. Grand Children, William Palmer and wife Laura, Kaylee Knibbe and Husband Neko, Kaily Palmer, Ty Johns, Kaden Palmer, Brieze Quarles and husband Preston, Daryn Shepard, and Madison Johns. Great grandchildren, London, Brooklyn, Mia, Kooper and Stallone. Sisters, Barbara Gayle Waldrop, Twila Mazur, brothers: Dale Parrish and wife, Tina, Roger Parrish and wife Trish. Pallbearers will be Dale Parrish, Roger Parrish, Ty Johns, Daryn Shepard, Kaden Palmer and Preston Quarles. Honorary pallbearers are Neko Knibbe, Talon Tucker and Mario Coronado. 

She wanted to thank her family for their support, visits, and love during her illness. And thank her caregivers who provided loving and kind care. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Noah’s Ark or to the American Cancer Society.