Melissa Starr Stoker Bratcher

Melissa Starr Stoker Bratcher, of Clarkesville, GA, passed away on Sunday, November 22.   

Melissa was born and raised in Thomasville, NC. She attended Thomasville High School, Davidson Community College, Gainesville College, and Atlanta Massage School. Melissa married Claude Bratcher, III in 1973, and together they had 2 children, Claude Bratcher, IV (Chip) and Doris Meredith Bratcher-Burnett. Melissa worked as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Memorial Methodist Church (Mother’s Morning Out) in her early years. Melissa also brought the AIDS Quilt to Thomasville, NC and dedicated herself to others. She spent her later years as an accomplished artist living the Northeast Georgia Mountains.  As a spiritual soul, Melissa was very loving, and enjoyed her grandchildren she leaves behind; Decker Burnett, William Burnett, Preston Burnett, Lilac Bratcher, Mazzy Bratcher, and Jude Bratcher. She will be greatly missed by everyone. 

Melissa is survived by her husband, Claude Bratcher, III, children and their spouses; Chip and Rachel Bratcher of Portland, Oregon; Doris Meredith and Jack Burnett of Clarkesville, Georgia. 

Melissa was preceded in death by her two sisters, Priscilla Styers and Rosemary Davis. 

The family will receive friends and family on Friday, November 27th at Hillside Memorial Chapel funeral home in Clarkesville, GA from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A memorial service will be held at Memorial Methodist Church, Thomasville, North Carolina on November 30th, at 5:00 PM. 

Memorial donations may be made in Melissa’s name to Prevent Child Abuse Habersham, P.O. Box 812, Cornelia, GA 30531.   

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hillsidememorialchapel.com. 

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.  706-754-6256