Carol Ann Emma Laing Melvin, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 27, 2026, in Collierville, Tennessee.
Carol was born August 19, 1933, the fifth child of James and Gladys Laing in Perrysburg. Her family was generations-long members at Grace United Methodist Church. While a student at Bowling Green State University, she met and married the love of her life, Bill Melvin. They were married at the university chapel in 1955 and began a life of adventure together starting with Bill’s 12 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. After living in 10 different states and welcoming two children along the way, they returned to Perrysburg, where they raised two more children and established deep roots in the community.
In addition to raising her family, Carol earned her master’s degree and later her licensed professional clinical counselor license, teaching at Perrysburg High School and serving as director of guidance and counseling for many years. She was deeply committed to helping young people navigate important life decisions and also served on several advisory boards, including one at the Ohio State University, becoming a rabid Buckeye fan.
In her later years, Carol found her greatest joy in spending time with her husband, who preceded her in death in 2022, as well as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She instilled in them a love of family, friendship and God’s creation. Some of her happiest moments were spent hiking, swimming, reading and making memories at the family cabin in Tobermory, Ontario, a place she treasured throughout her life.
Carol lived out her faith in Jesus Christ every day. After moving to Collierville, in 2014, she became a faithful member of Hope Presbyterian Church, where she served as a greeter, participated in multiple Bible studies and remained active in Sunday School.
Her unwavering faith, joy, kindness and servant’s heart left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Carol is survived by her children, Pam (Tom) Bramlage, Scott Melvin, Steve (Laura) Melvin, and Kim (Ed) McKell; her grandchildren, Jenny (Bramlage) Lacey, James Melvin, Julia (Melvin) Krebs, Jeffrey Melvin, Kate Melvin, Jake Melvin, Liz (McKell) Batluck, Abby McKell, Leah McKell, Max Herman and Ellie Herman, and her six precious great-grandchildren, with more blessings on the way.
Her life was a testament to faith, love, service and family, and her legacy will continue through the generations she cherished so deeply. Carol’s family is deeply grateful to Baptist Trinity Hospice for their expertise, care and love in her final days.
Her celebration service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church, Cordova, Tennessee, on Saturday, July 11, with visitation at 11 a.m., and the service to follow at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations on her behalf can be made to special projects near and dear to her heart including: W. Scott Melvin CMIS Support Fund: giveto.osu. edu/makeagift/details /318188, wingsofmercy.org/ donate/, gemission.org/give/ 29050/ or Hope Global Missions hopepres.com/globaloutreach.
At a later date, Carol will be laid to rest with her husband of 67 years, Bill, at Ft. Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg.