Melissa Ann Elizabeth (Bergeron) Carter

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Our sweet Melissa departed this life on Oct. 25, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Va., she was the youngest of the four children of David C. and Mary Catherine Bergeron and their only daughter. Melissa lived in Germany during her early years returning stateside after her father retired from active military service.

Growing up in Roanoke, Va., Melissa learned about, lived, and LOVED life. She enjoyed a close circle of friends, reveled in her family, loved going to the pool just down the street from her house, could not listen to enough music or dance enough, and became an accomplished equestrian. Friends, music, family, dancing, horses remained very high on her list of loves her entire life.

She attended Roanoke Catholic schools before transferring to Patrick Henry High School for 11th and 12th grades. It was at PH she would meet her future soulmate and husband, David. Yes, Melissa and David were high school sweethearts.

Melissa graduated from Longwood College with a degree in biology. After graduation, she entered the workforce with Philip Morris at the manufacturing facility in Richmond, Va. She and David married in 1981. David’s job took them to Maine.

The couple bounced up and down throughout the Northeast corridor for a dozen years or so. In 1992, they landed in Greensboro … with three sons … where they’ve been ever since.

Melissa was a maestro at blending and balancing personal and professional lives. She ran the household … and the boys … and David. She found time to volunteer at the boys’ schools. Was incredibly active in a variety of roles at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Operated her decorating business Creative Designs & Stencils. Cared for her mom through Alzheimer’s. She went to Haiti several times participating in medical mission trips. Helped David start and run Emerging Technologies Inc. Formally reentered the professional arena as the Marketing Manager for Home Health Professionals and later the Practice Manager for Physicians Home Visits. She ran White Oak Manor, a horse farm and boarding facility. To say that the woman did it all is an understatement.

Of all her accomplishments, her endeavors, her missions, her passions, we are quite certain her greatest joy came at the hands of other people. Melissa was the kindest, sweetest, most gentle, caring, and compassionate person ever. If you were in her presence, you felt loved, valued, acknowledged, and more. No one made you feel better about yourself than Melissa Carter. The Allman Brothers captured it so nicely and accurately … Sweet Melissa.

Melissa was preceded in death by her loving parents, David C. and Mary Catherine Bergeron; and by two brothers, Richard Bergeron and David Bergeron.

Melissa leaves behind her husband of 44 years and soulmate of 53 years, David; sons and lights of her life, Adam, Alan, and Patrick, daughter-in-law Katie; granddaughters Hannah, Elizabeth, and Elora; brother, Patrick (Cindy), sisters-in-law Leslie, Debbie, and Patricia, brother-in-law, Randy (Candi); and a passel of nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3906 W Friendly Ave., Greensboro, N.C., 27410. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Forbis and Dick Guilford Chapel is honored to serve the Carter family and online tributes and condolences may be offered at http://www.forbisanddick.com.

In lieu of flowers, please support the charity of your choice.