Melissa E. Eskridge, 40, beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 22, 2021. She was born July 9, 1981 in Lewes, a daughter of Linda Kay Parsons and the late Horace Robert Eskridge, Jr. Melissa earned her degree in criminal justice from Del-Tech in Georgetown.She proudly served her country in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2010. She worked at Duke's Lumber in Seaford for several years. Doing the Lord's work, she devoted her life and career to leading worship teams throughout churches, from Dover to Salisbury. She was currently working on her Masters degree from the Christian World College of Theology in Salisbury. Throughout her illness the prayers, visits and phone calls from scores of pastors and church members helped keep her going and are so appreciated by Melissa's family. Her passion for worship and pastoring the youth took her to many churches, including Forerunner Fellowship Church of Dover, Rock Church of Laurel and John 21 Ministries of Laurel. She also had a special place in her heart for pets, especially for her 4-legged kids, "Stephen", and her late beloved dog, "Chopper." In addition to her mother, Linda, she is survived by sisters, Sherry Wilson (Harlan Wilson III) of Delmar and Trina Lowe (Paul Lowe) of Pinsonfork, KY; nieces, Samantha Lowe, Angela Smith (Kenneth Smith); nephew, Harlan Wilson IV (Megan); great niece, Alissa Grace; great nephews, Grayson Carter and Noble Wilson Lee; and her stepmother, Deena Eskridge. A celebration of Melissa's life will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Evangelistic Church in Laurel, where family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, Georgetown Campus, 22918 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.