Melissa (Missy) Diana Murray was born on December 29, 1967, in Roanoke, Virginia to parents James R. Murray Sr. (Jim) and Margie Howell Murray. She grew up with her younger brother James R. Murray Jr. (Randy). Most of her early life was spent in Virginia, where she was raised and educated. She later graduated from Franklin County High School.

By graduation, Melissa had enlisted in the United States Army and enrolled at Virginia Western Community College of Roanoke, VA, where she earned an associate science degree. She continued her college education up to achieving a master’s degree, learning business and finance. She served in the United States Army for an 18-year career, including the National Guard. While in the Army, she was an active part of the Army Band, performing melodically with her main instrument, the clarinet.

During and after her military service, Melissa worked for Graybar Electric as customer service rep, supervisor, and manager for many years. At 30 yrs old, she was blessed with her only child, Julien, in 1998. She remained with Graybar for many years, later transitioning to a position in Stevens Point, WI, and to Minot in 2013.

After a year of working in Minot, Melissa decided to seek out other opportunities. She would go on to work several other positions, such as a customer service rep for Delta Vacations, a store manager at Loaf N’Jug, a purchasing specialist at Burdick Job Corps, along with being manager of outreach, admissions, and transitions, seeing that many students were helped to succeed! She also worked for On the Run convenience store for a brief period. She was a hard worker in all her endeavors.

In her free time, Melissa enjoyed watching tv shows such as Two and a Half Men, The Sopranos, Yellowstone, King Of Queens, Bold and The Beautiful, and many others. She also enjoyed watching movies such as Top Gun (which came out her senior year of high school), and 80’s movies. Melissa would also listen to music frequently; her favorites were Classic Rock and 80’s.

Melissa especially enjoyed walking and hiking in the mountains in Virginia, most notably the “Roarin Run” Hiking Trail. She also would walk The Green Circle Trail in Stevens Point, WI, as well as the town and downtown areas in Roanoke, VA, Stevens Point, WI, and Minot, ND. She sometimes would also have her son Julien tag along for many of her adventures. Melissa also loved cooking, inspiring many to ask for helpings or recipes. She often would hand out helpings in the neighborhood, in Roanoke, VA. Her family, including her son, never could get enough of her loving meals. Living in Virginia, she often ventured out to the beaches of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina from childhood to middle-aged adult life. The Outer Banks was by far her favorite, where she enjoyed surf fishing, preferably catching her favorite fish; flounder. Melissa had a lifelong love for manual transmission cars, learning the art as a young teenager.

She enjoyed time with her dogs as well.

She joined The Lord on May 20th, 2026, at the age of 58.

Melissa is survived by her son, Julien Brooks, of Minot, ND, and her brother, James R. Murray Jr. (Randy), of Roanoke, Virginia, along with numerous extended family members.

Melissa was preceded in death by her father, James R. Murray Sr, and her mother, Margie Howell Murray.

A Visitation will be held on June 11, 2026, at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Military Honors at 7:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service to follow at 7:15 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to the family.