Melissa Shaw Carson passed away and on to heaven on December 20, 2025, at Warner Hospice Home in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Melissa was born in Mountmellick, Ireland on October 27, 1942. She is the eldest of five children: Judith Keys, Jennifer Hayes, Robert Shaw, and Vivienne Kirk, born to Billy and Evelyn Shaw. Starting at age 11, Melissa attended Wesley College and Boarding School in Dublin, Ireland. She made great lifelong friends, Gillian Lyster and Joan Johnson at Wesley College. Melissa played field hockey and was voted perfect for her senior year. Her love for people was evident, even in her early years.

Melissa married William Eric Carson after finishing school. “Eric” was a United Methodist Minister and they served churches in Swanibar and Belfast, Ireland. In 1972 they moved with their two young children, Lynda (age 6) and Andrew (age 4) to the United States for an opportunity for Eric to receive a post Graduate Degree at Duke University. Melissa started work in the field of Nutrition with Cumberland County Schools and later Wake County Schools in Raleigh. Melissa even did a few guest spots for cooking demonstrations on the local news station in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her warm personality and easy-going manner made her a natural at it.

Melissa was known for her hospitality and made strong friends at seven different Methodist Churches in the North Carolina Conference. She became a Stephen’s Ministry minister. She truly had a heart for those struggling. Melissa loved her retirement homes in Raleigh and Lake Junaluska. She spent many happy hours in the garden and also sharing a cup of tea with friends. She was a devoted ‘Nana” and prayed for her grandchildren each night. Family was so important to her.

Melissa leaves behind her two children, Lynda Carson Gregg and her husband, Kevin and Stephen Andrew Carson and his wife, Shar; eight grandchildren, Carson Gregg, Carter Scholl and her husband, Zachary, Jordan Gregg, Will Gregg, Tyler Carson, Luke Carson, Eli Carson and Sterling Carson and a great granddaughter, Amelia Mae Scholl.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina beginning at 2:00 PM.

The family will gather after the service for committal to the Columbarium at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church

In lieu of flowers all financial gifts would be welcomed for Stephen Ministry at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.