Obituary of Melissa Dawn Dickerson

Melissa Dawn Dickerson Melissa Dickerson of West Seattle died suddenly on June 17, 2012. She was born on March 6, 1964 in Olympia, Washington. Her parents are Patricia A. Burkhalter of Kent and Thomas W. Dickerson of University Place. Melissa lived most of her life in the Seattle area. For the last nine years, she resided at SW Barton St. in West Seattle. Prior to 2003, she lived in the University District, Queen Anne and the Greenwood area. She loved Seattle and considered herself a native. She graduated from Kentridge High School in 1982 and then worked to put herself through the University of Washington, graduating in 1986 with a degree in Sociology. She worked at the Bon Marche during and after college. Melissa began her career in marketing in 1990 at Cellular One, managing their rental phone program. After the merger with AT&T, she continued working in advertising, merchandising and communications and became their National Marketing Communications Manager in 1999. She joined Starbucks in 2006 as a Business Manager, Creative. While at Starbucks, she decided to follow her dream and become a personal chef—a huge risk after 16 years in the corporate arena. But she went for it and created "Let Melissa Cook," a personal chef service which she operated until her death. Earlier this year, Melissa ventured back into the world of business at Northwest Center. She was managing reception services for them at an Amazon office near Lake Union. Melissa was a hard working and loyal employee and made a contribution everywhere she went. She will be missed. Melissa had an enormously wide array of interests and skills. Cooking, gardening and France were at the top of her list. Entertaining friends, wine and Gourmet Dinner Club consumed many joyous hours. She liked "crafty" things and became quite skilled using beach glass and broken pottery to create gift and garden items for friends and family. She was dedicated to "boot camp" workouts every Saturday, rain or shine. She devoted a lot of time to her family relationships and loved playing with her nieces and nephews whenever possible. Rounding out her list are decorating her house, music, piano, library and book club, Angry Birds, Words With Friends, Mariners baseball, beaches, Christmas and most of all, hanging out with her many wonderful friends. What an amazing and full life she lived. Melissa had a big heart, was full of humor and sarcasm and leaves us all wishing for more time with her. She was much loved. In addition to her parents, Melissa is survived by her stepmother Marla Dickerson, brothers Darren Dickerson (Janelle) and Andrew Dickerson; stepsister, Selene Jensen (Taj) and stepbrother, Rob Hoover (Candy). Preceding her in death are her grandparents Ted and Swea McArthur and Tom and Anne Dickerson both of Olympia. Please leave memories of Melissa or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.