Melissa Lee 002.jpg

Ocean Springs educator Melissa Roberts Lee, pictured in 2014 -- roughly two years into her battle with ovarian cancer. Lee wrote her own moving eulogy prior to her death on Sept. 23.

(Courtesy photo/Team Melissa)

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Melissa Roberts Lee was a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs and a longtime educator at Magnolia Park Elementary, first as a teacher and later as an assistant principal.

A beloved member of the school community, Lee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2012. Her family, friends, colleagues and many others from the community and across the Mississippi coast rallied to her side, forming "Team Melissa" and holding numerous fundraisers to aid in her battle.

Sadly, Lee succumbed to cancer on Sept. 23 at the age of 43. But it was something she left behind that told the story of a special person.

Lee, realizing the end was near, penned her own remarkable eulogy -- a poignant essay on her fight with cancer, her family and friends, and a reminder to those left behind to embrace each day.

Her words were read during the Sept. 26 service by her sister, Amy Roberts Hunt.

"She gave me the words a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would share them at her service," Hunt said Friday. "After the service, I was bombarded by folks asking me for a copy of them. Even folks I didn't know contacted me because they had heard about them."

Here are Melissa Lee's words in their entirety:

Not many people feel like they need to have a voice at their own funeral, but those of you who know me well know that I like to have some control, and I always have something to say.

Since November 2012, we have been on a crazy journey. I say WE because I've never once felt I was in this alone. I am so grateful for that. It's been a long journey, and I have felt supported and loved the whole way.

To get started, let's just say what we all are thinking: Cancer. Really. Stinks! I mean there aren't actually words to describe how horrible it is. It's the worst kind of sneaky thief that steals time, memories, happiness, normalcy, experiences, relationships, and futures.

We've all asked "why" and questioned the fairness. Many times, my anger and frustration with cancer have taken over and those negative thoughts creep in. Especially when I would look back on the life I was living BC -- Before Cancer. I had everything I ever dreamed of -- I was a thriving 40-something with loving family and friends, married to my best friend and soulmate, three beautiful, healthy children, a career living out my dream of inspiring educators, and in what I thought was the best shape and health of my life.

Well, surprise! Things can change with one doctor appointment, one phone call, one medical test, one pathology report. It would have been so easy to park myself in a permanent state of anger and resentment, but I kept reminding myself and being reminded that I could not let the evils of cancer take over and win. I was up for the fight.

I guess from your perspective it may seem like I didn't do a great job with the fight part, since this is being shared after I have moved on to a different journey due to my health. Well, I don't see my soul leaving my injured body as defeat.

I'm certain by now you've seen obituaries or Facebook posts that say things like "Mrs. Lee lost her long, hard battle with cancer." I don't want any such statement associated with me and my fight against this evil. I want people to know that cancer may have damaged my body, but my soul will never lose a fight to the evils of this disease. That's what I decided early on. I knew I wouldn't be on the earth forever, but I also knew I was going to find a way to get through this without letting cancer win my body and my soul. My soul belongs to someone else.

I have covered the evils of cancer and its negative feelers that reach out to destroy not only the body, but the soul of the patient. Not to mention how it creeps into the mind and soul of friends and family. But what I would like you to know is what cancer did to improve me and my life. Yes, you heard correctly. There is a positive that can come from this disease. Cancer doesn't want you to know this. It wants to be feared as a body and soul stealer, but I want you to know that it doesn't have to be that way.

We have had our eyes opened to so many blessings during this journey. I cannot express the gratitude my family and I have felt for our friends and community members. The prayers, acts of kindness, and extreme generosity have been the fuel to keep us going on many days. I believe that this journey has caused positive change in the lives of many as they have observed my struggle and learned to be thankful for the smallest of things in their lives.

An additional positive aspect is the changes in my own personal faith. Thanks to my parents, I was brought up in a home that made God and church a primary focus. I grew up going to church and following the traditions of my Catholic faith. Before cancer, I would have described myself as a prayerful person who respected religion's role in my life. I didn't, however, put my complete trust and faith in my relationship with God.

Through the trials of my illness, there were many pain-filled, dark days. I learned through those experiences that I truly needed to open up a new type of relationship with God. On some days I am sure my family questioned my faith because I was truly hell to deal with, but overtime this improved. God brought me PEACE and HOPE. Sometimes my prayer was as simple as "God help me!" Other times, I would have long conversations with him and feel his hand guiding my life.

Many of you don't realize that God performed a miracle for me. In February 2015, my doctors sent me home from the hospital on hospice care. I was told to get my affairs in order and that 4-6 weeks was my potential life expectancy.

Well, we knew that the doctor didn't make the final call, and only God could do so. I was sad but at peace at the same time if that was to be God's plan. I knew my sweet family was waiting for me in heaven, and that I could trust God to take care of those I left behind. That doesn't mean I gave up, because my prayers took on a new intensity. I prayed for healing and more time with my children.

I prayed to see Drew graduate, to see Anna Brooke's dance recital, to be with Owen for his 9th birthday, and to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary with Joey. Well not only did God answer those prayers, he surpassed them and gave me a full year and several more months as a bonus. I saw a full year of school events- Drew's freshman year, Owen turned 10, Anna's 8th grade dance team activities, another anniversary, and yet another precious Christmas and Mother's Day with loved ones.

I have amazed my medical team by overcoming many obstacles, but I know it's God's hand not mine. I can't disregard the intercession of the Blessed Mother and countless other saints who have heard the prayers and pleading. I remained on this earth as a result of prayer. That is my miracle. Cancer can't steal that. Cancer can't beat that. Cancer did not win.

I really need something positive to come out of this experience for all who have held me up and prayed for me or just read about me on Facebook. Please treasure the life and time you have. Know that there is nothing better than a normal Monday or lazy Sunday. I have forgotten what normal feels like. Tubes and IVs make normal impossible, but YOU are blessed with normal. Blessed with being able to go for a run or take your kids on vacation. Blessed that you can eat out at a restaurant and even go to Walmart.

Don't ever complain about your normal because there is someone nearby who is praying for it. Keep your family first and nurture positive relationships. Forgive. Be kind. Help others. Try and reframe the negative and find something positive. And most of all know that you need a relationship with God to make it in this world. Prayer is powerful.

So my tired body is done, but my soul is a survivor. I am not here in body, but know that my soul's journey continues thanks to my faith. Please don't mourn the loss of my body. I want you to celebrate the continued life of my soul! I will see my sweet family and friends again in the next life. Thank you for your love, thoughts, and prayers.

Melissa Roberts Lee

Lee is survived by her husband, Joseph Lee, and their three children: Drew, Anne Brooke, and Owen.