July 13, 1960 – March 30, 2023
Melissa passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 62. She was born at Toledo Hospital to Colleen Hendricks (Moore) and Canadian Pro football player Gerald Palmer. (Both parents have preceded her, passing way in 1985 and 1984. She was also the niece of Wayman Palmer who served as Toledo’s previous executive director of EOPA and one of the first black officials for Ohio high school athletics.
Melissa graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1978. She worked for Spencer Gifts for over 20 years in Toledo, Romulus, Michigan and Northern Virginia as a District/Area Manager. Melissa leaves behind two sons, Brandon Awls (September Ware) and Loney Awls, three grandchildren, Brandon II and Braniah Awls and Mariah Ware, siblings, Bernadette Graham (Temple), Brent Temple, Brad Temple, Antionette Williams, and Michelle Hendricks. As well as a host of many nieces and nephews, loving friends and other family members.
Services will be held April 15 Saturday 2-3 p.m. at House of Day Funeral Home.