Melissa Jean Greenwood

Melissa Jean Greenwood, 42, of Aztec, was called home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. She was born Oct. 11, 1975, in Montrose, Colo, the daughter of Don and Julie (Harmon) Greenwood.
As she came into the world, the power went out at the hospital. The light of her eyes lit up the darkness and continued for 42 years as she spread the word of the Lord. She loved teaching young children, and had recently started the UNM Teaching Program to finish her degree in education. She was a long-term substitute teacher in the Aztec Schools when she has passed away.
Melissa attended Aztec Schools graduating in 1994. She loved playing volleyball and was on the 1992 State Championship team. She played youth and women's softball for many years. She played on the Aztec High School Golf Team in the Spring of 1994 and qualified for the State Tournament.
Melissa had a deep love for the Lord and her church family at Animas Valley Community Church.
One of her greatest joys was going on numerous mission trips to Thailand to aid the refugee Karen people. She loved to organize the summer VBS, Fall ladies retreats, and teach little children at her church family.
While her spirit was great, the body could not keep up. After numerous surgeries and much pain, we know she is now pain free.
Melissa is survived by her parents, Don and Julie Greenwood; sister and brother-in-laws, Christie and Caleb Robison; nephews and niece, Silas, Charis and Matthias Robison, whom she deeply loved. She is also survived by many cousins and her church families.
A memorial service for Melissa will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Bethel Baptist Church, 201 Heiland Road in Aztec. There will be a potluck following the service at First Baptist Church, 700 Navajo Ave. in Aztec.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Don Greenwood, 2 Road 3059, Aztec, NM, 87410, or to youcaring.com to the Melissa Greenwood Fund.
Melissa's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., 505-334-9332.