Melissa Kate Nobles Kearns, 46, of Lumberton, NC, departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

She was born in Lumberton on March 6, 1980, to Bill Nobles and Barbara Jean Britt Nobles.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her uncles, Morris Lee Britt, Jimmy R. Britt, James P. Britt, and John P. Britt.

Melissa worked for many years as a home health aide until her health no longer allowed her to travel from home to home. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and caring for her flower gardens, especially her sunflowers and purple lilies. While Melissa did not enjoy fishing she did enjoy going on fishing trips with family at the river watching them fish. She will be lovingly remembered for her afternoon rides and for her enjoyment of visiting historic sites throughout North Carolina and neighboring states. She especially enjoyed traveling to Charleston, SC, where she toured the city and learned about its history. Though she had no children of her own, Melissa was like a mother to many of her nieces, nephews, and cousins. She had a deep love for her family and friends and cherished the time she spent with them.

She leaves to cherish her memory her aunts, Debbie Britt and Sue Collins; her cousins, Sanford Taylor, Jr., who was more like a brother, Zachary Taylor, Franklin Taylor, Anthony Britt, Christopher "Twix" Oxendine, Quentin "Cotton Ball" Oxendine, Jr. Harley, Jr. and Hunter, and a host of other relatives and friends, Clinton and Ashley Oxendine, Matthew Cox, Kim for their love and friendship through the years; her fur baby, Malachi.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. Visitation will follow the Service until 8:00 PM.