Melanie Yolanda Scott, affectionately known as Ms. Moo, Mel Mel, Melodies, and Ms. Yum Yum, was born on August 2, 1986 in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Patricia Washington and Rickey G. Scott. She was not only the apple of her parents’ eyes but also cherished by her grandmother, Bae Bae, Aunt Cat, and Uncle Jr., as their own child, a testament to the importance of a strong family support system.

Melanie’s religious journey began at a young age when she was baptized and received Christ at The Prayer Garden Deliverance Center under the guidance of the late Elder Norman C. Pitt. Her Christian education continued at Restoration Temple COGIC, where she was Pastored by the late Elder Sherman Strong. Growing up in Saint Louis Missouri, Melanie’s academic journey commenced at Washington Montessori School, followed by Kirby Middle School, and concluded with her graduation from Hazelwood East High School in 2004.

Melanie’s personality was a delightful blend of creativity, studiousness, and determination. In 2006, she embarked on her higher education at Florissant Valley Community College. Melanie worked at CitiBank Mortgage Corp for a decade. In recent years, she had transitioned into the role of an Independent Representative at Pri-America Investments, while simultaneously managing her own thriving small business, Ms. Yum Yum’s Kitchen and Decadent Desserts. Additionally, Melanie’s passion for travel led her to become an active member of Intele Travel,where she worked as a travel agent. Recently she was enrolled and preparing to graduate from Lincoln Land Community College pursuing her degree in Culinary Arts and Business Administration.

In June 2007, Melanie welcomed her son, Elijah Whelan, into the world. He became her full-time protector and personal security guard since he could walk. Five years later, she added Princess Miranda Yokley to her family. Miranda was her shadow, sharing a love for funny movies, fashion, shoes, and good food.

Melanie was a free-spirited, fearless, beautiful, and vibrant soul. She enjoyed adventure, especially traveling with her family or solo. She danced, acted (improv), loved comedy, fashion and jewelry. She was a comforter for her close friends and family members. Melanie was an amazing chef, specializing in comfort foods and delicious desserts. She was a ray of sunshine but also capable of speaking her mind and advocating for herself and others. Melanie was on a quest for peace and tranquility. If you asked her how she was doing, she would say,

“All is well. I am trying to stay positive and productive.”

Melanie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Essie (Bae Bae) Capers, great-grandparents, Estella Washington, Foster Washington, great-uncle, Foster Washington Jr., great-aunt, Catherine (Cat) Sullivan, siblings, Catherine and Jevon. Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Patricia Battle, bonus dad Reginald Battle, father, Rickey G. Scott, brother, Kyle Scott, son, Elijah, daughter, Miranda, bonus sisters, Cherelle, Regina, Genautia, Joyce, Great Aunt Emma Washington, Aunt Yolanda Bryant name sake and favorite, Aunt Bobbi Scott-Thomas bonus Aunt’s, Janice, Carla, Ellie, Sharis near and dear cousins, Carla (Vaughn), Charles Battle, Carmen (Derrick), Patrice, Shanelle, Jessica, Brandy, dozens of additional special cousins, childhood best friends Lachona, Tabitha, Latranece and a host of supportive colleagues and friends from our surrounding community and abroad.