Melanie Anne Miller

November 6, 1972-May 21, 2024 Melanie Anne Miller, of Shreveport, who was a wearer of many crazy hats and a much-loved daughter, sister, partner, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully on May 21, 2024, at 51, after a nearly six-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Melanie is survived by her daughter, Caitlin Golden, and her two grandchildren, Madison Anne and Johnathon Erik, who named her Gishy and were the sunshine of her life. Other survivors include her partner, Bryan Molitor; mother, Betty Anne Miller; sister, Emily Miller Talbott; brother, Clint Miller, III; many other relatives and very close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, H. Clint Miller, Jr. It was apparent to this older sister, and most people who knew her, that Melanie marched to the beat of her own drum. She grabbed that drum, decorated it with colors and feathers, and then proceeded to write new music for it. As a child, she cornered a porcupine because, as she told her parents, she wanted to bring it home. When she was playing coach pitch ball, if she ever got the ball, she would run it to her brother rather than simply throwing it. Her love for animals guided her path in life. After her mastectomy, she quickly adapted that empty bra cup into a pouch for her baby chicks! Any given trip to Tractor Supply might result in a new dog, goat or piglet. When she was four or five, she tried to pet a snapping turtle that had sought refuge in our grandfather’s Elks Club kiddie pool. She nearly lost her finger that day. Cancer did not suppress her spirit! Melanie loved all the nicknames anyone gave her post-mastectomy. During one of her chemo sessions, she got an award for the most cheerful patient even though she was so sick inside. Her knit hat collection was a source of pride for her. --Emily Miller Talbott with input from family Melanie was one of a kind, from her love, compassion, and kindness, all the way to her know-it-all attitude. She made sure people and animals were included. She could play most instruments, but her biggest philosophy was to sing loud, sing proud, and most of all sing badly. She was a proud Army brat, who lived in Louisiana, Kentucky, Italy, and Pennsylvania, and was able to make an impact in the world only those who met her could feel. She had a heart like no other. No judgment, no punishment, just pure love, and compassion is what she showed. Growing up with her as a mother, Cati learned early what empathy truly meant, whether towards humans or animals. She passed these qualities down to her grandchildren. Melanie never could, nor would, turn away anyone, especially those down on their luck and oftentimes she was the helping hand everyone needed in their lives at the right time. She changed the world for those who crossed her path. Melanie is deeply loved and will be forever missed. --Cati Anne Golden Melanie loved her farm more than most people. She loved cooking, but she wasn’t very keen on cleaning. Her favorite place was out on the lake with friends. --Bryan Molitor Along life’s journey, there was a time I asked Melanie to read Nirvana’s “All Apologies” at my funeral. In the only way Mel could, I was frequently reminded of this request. FREQUENTLY!!! And now…shoe is on the other foot! I discovered that Kurt Cobain summarized the song, dedicated to his wife and daughter, “Peaceful, happy comfort-just happy happiness!” Melanie’s coup de grâce! What else could I be? Touche Mel, touché…love you beyond space and time. RIP --John McAdams Melanie was a fierce advocate for her friends and family and all animals, except the hawks that ate her chickens! Her spirit will be inside all of us for the rest of our days. Free fallin… --Somer Beach In lieu of flowers, it would give her much joy if you donated time or money to an animal shelter. Cheers to you, Melanie! We know you are tending to the animals in the big farm of the great beyond! Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclinfuneralhome.com.

Melanie Anne Miller

November 6, 1972 - May 21, 2024