Sharon Melton

In Loving Memory of Sharon Denise “Neicey” MeltonA Tribute to a Life Well Lived

It is with heavy hearts and deep respect that we gather to honor the cherished life of Sharon Denise “Neicey” Melton. Born on August 28, 1953, to the late Pastors John Willie Bussell Sr. and Carrie Bussell, Sharon was the third of ten children.

At an early age, Sharon accepted Christ and was baptized at City View Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Nathaniel Taylor. She later continued her spiritual journey at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served under her parents, Pastors John and Carrie Bussell. Sharon worked diligently in many auxiliaries, but her greatest passion was directing the choir.

Sharon received her education in the Detroit Public School System and was a proud Southeastern Jungaleer. She looked forward to the annual alumni picnic every summer and made every effort to attend.

In 1973, Sharon began her career at the Budd Company, where she dedicated 31.5 years of service before retiring in 2005. Five years into her career, she met the man who would become her lifelong friend and husband. On August 30, 1980, Sharon married Simon P. Melton Sr. on her parents’ lot. To this union, they were blessed with a daughter, Teneisha. Sharon and Simon shared 44 years of love and partnership until her passing.

After the passing of her mother, Sharon rediscovered her love for baking cakes and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes she found online. She especially cherished the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter—when she delighted in cooking large meals and hosting family gatherings.

Those who knew Sharon, affectionately called “Neicey,” will always remember her vibrant personality. She was a no-nonsense, “tell it like it is” woman who carried herself with grace and style. She loved her long nails, blonde hair, gold jewelry, and high heels. She also enjoyed her monthly brunch outings with her dear Birthday Ladies.

On August 14, 2025, Sharon peacefully entered eternal rest at Medilodge in Farmington, after courageously fighting for seven months. Though she has left this earthly life, her presence will remain in the hearts of all who loved her. There will never be another Sharon Denise “Neicey” Melton.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, John Willie Bussell Sr.; her mother, Carrie Bussell; and her sisters Mary Ellen Bussell, Carolyn Elaine Bussell, Essie Mae Jones, Annie Lee Richards, and Thressia Marie Bussell-Hill.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Simon P. Melton Sr.; her loving daughter, Teneisha Nedd (Dexter); four step -sons ; siblings John Jr. (Zina), Christopher Sr., Tracey, and Sonya; her beloved Aunt Mary Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

As we celebrate her life and beautiful soul, we are reminded of both the fragility and the beauty of life itself. Though we say “see you later,” we also celebrate the blessing of having known Sharon—and we pledge to carry her legacy of love, faith, and strength forward in our own lives.

Excerpt from the Neices And Nephews

To know Auntie Neicey was to love her—how could you not?

Our younger years were filled with her unforgettable stories from The Budd Company. She would tell them again and again at the hair shop—who lost a finger, who was cheating with who, who she cussed out, and how she didn’t play that. She’d talk about what she would do if anyone ever tried her, who was ugly, and who was “too big.” Auntie Neicey told it exactly like it was, leaving no room for confusion.

But to know her was to love her. If she liked you, you knew it—because she showed you. If she ever took you shopping, brought you a meal, made you a plate, shared her crackers, lunch meat, and cheese with you on a Sunday morning during long church services, baked you a cake or a pie, called to check on you, or playfully—yet painfully—punched you in the arm with a fist full of gold rings, you could be certain she loved you.

We are forever grateful for every memory and every moment of love she gave. We will miss you dearly, Auntie. We love you—and until we meet again.

To Our Beloved Sister

We grew together, hand in hand,

Shared secrets only we’d understand.

Through laughter, tears, and all life’s years,

You were our joy, our strength, our cheer.

No bond on earth could quite compare,

The love we knew, the life we shared.

Though Heaven called, too soon, too fast,

Our memories hold you, strong and vast.

We’ll hear your voice in whispered song,

We’ll feel your love when days are long.

Though parted now, we’re never apart,

For you still live inside each heart.

Rest, dear sister, safe and free,

In God’s embrace, eternally.

One day we’ll meet, with arms stretched wide,

Together again, side by side.

Mom

The day I lost you, apart of me left too. I prayed for you to have peace, but I didn't expect you to leave me so soon. You fought so hard. I know you were beyond tired. I miss you so much. This is not goodbye but see you later.

Love, Teneisha (Poopie)

To my Darling Wife. Only God knows how heavy my heart feel. You tried your best to stay here with me. Your determination gave us a little more time together. We were married for 44 years just 16 days shy of 45 years. My life will never be the same without you. I will go on without you knowing that you are at rest no more suffering, no more pain, awaiting the day when we shall see each other again. Your Husband.. Simon