Melissa Brandon was born June 23, 1967 to Jerry and Sally Brandon.  She departed this life February 14, 2022 at the age of 54 years.

Melissa, a longtime Bristow area resident, had currently been residing in Claremore for the last two years.  While a part of the Bristow community, Melissa worked in the law enforcement field.  This work formed many close bonds with area agencies and first responders alike.  Leaving this line of work, Melissa gained a position with ONEOK, where she was recently promoted to an operations specialist. She and Orvel Ballew were united in marriage May 23, 2021.  Their love, true and deep, brought a joy ever present in their life.

Losing her son Bobby to an alcohol related accident, Melissa became a voice for many with her heavy involvement with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Melissa found herself involved with the Indigenous Club at her workplace as well as the Rogers County Cherokee Association. As part of that heritage, Melissa would bead earrings.  Her and her family were a part of Life Church.  She was a lover of going to the lake, fishing, and music. Everyone always knew she was the boss.

She is survived by her husband of the Claremore home, Orvel; father, Jerry Brandon and wife Alice of Americus, Kansas; one son, Brenton Simmons of Claremore; two brothers, Kenny Beaver and Jeri Brandon both of Tahlequah; two sisters, Hallie Beaver of Ponca City and Kimberly Davis and husband David of Jennings, Ok; seven grandchildren, Iris Cook, Avery Simmons, Cannon Simmons, Jaiyana Simmons, Aariyana Simmons, Cayden Simmons and Kayiana Simmons and a host of other family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Sally Foster, and stepdad Steve Foster, one son, Bobby Simmons and one daughter, Tia Simmons and one sister, Frankie (Tish) Beaver.

Services will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, February 18, 2022 at Trinity Baptist Church with Reverend John Tidwell officiating.  Internment will follow at Bristow City Cemetery.