Maria Melissovas, of Atlanta, a remarkable and caring person, mother, sister, and daughter, has passed on, unexpectedly, at the age of 53 on August 23, 2018.

Maria's big heart saw people as others seldom did, often stopping to help a homeless stranger and providing them with a meal. Maria was a champion for the elderly, the down trodden and less fortunate. She worked for the state of Georgia in social services helping the poor, sick, & elderly receive help from the different state services that were available to them.

Maria herself suffered for 12 years from epilepsy, unfortunately this condition caused her to have to leave the work and people she so enjoyed and had dedicated her life helping.

Maria, had a high IQ and a love of learning. In her elementary years, she read, cover to cover, the entire set of World Book Encyclopedias, just for fun! Her scholastic achievements and honors are great.

Maria was a Member of the National Honor Society. In 1982, she was a National Award Winner of the United States of America Achievement Academy in Mathematics, and is listed in the USAA's National Awards Yearbook. She was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Henry Grady High School.

Having attended and graduated from the prestigious Agnes Scott College and Georgia State University, Maria received a B/S degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology, and she graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Maria had an adventurous side as well and participated in sports, gymnastics and Track & Field. She had no fear or reservations holding her back. If she needed to do something she didn't know how to do, she got a book and learned, such as how to rewire and install electrical ceiling fans in the family home!

She loved the Atlanta Braves and going to Six Flags to ride roller coasters. And with a great love of animals, the shelters love to see her coming by. One of her unique talents was shopping and finding that Perfect Gift for someone!

And not to leave her community out, Maria received a Certificate of Achievement as a Community Emergency Response Team member through the US Department of Homeland Security.

Maria's greatest and most demanding accomplishment was raising a daughter, Sophia. Motherhood was one project that came with no book! Maria gave Sophia every opportunity she could, and even encouraged her to join the Robotics Club in school. Together, they were always busy finding fun things to go do on the weekends.

Preceded in death by her parents; Christos Melissovas from Greece and Josie Louise Tumlin Melissovas of Georgia, and brother-in-law Del Richardson.

Survivors include her one and only daughter Sophia Louise Melissovas; sisters Penny (Jerry) Cochran, Pamela (LaVaughn) Thompson, Christine Richardson; her dearest and best friend since kindergarten and like a sister, Paula McDevit; half brother Stanley (Emma) Jones, nephew David Cochran; nieces Jessica (Bryan) Adams, Erica Cochran, Amanda (Greg) McCallister, Danielle (Adam) Bova, plus many cousins in Greece and the United States.

A private family going home memorial is planned.