My dear sweet cousin, oh the summers we spent in big "Roff" at Granny's huge house. I will miss that smile, you will be missed dearly. My prayers and love go out to the family. Tim we love you and Caryn and your babies. We love you all.

Working with Melissa was such a great pleasure. She was kind, helpful, and so funny. Knowing she was going to be in a meeting put a smile on my face, because I knew she would have something smart and positive to say to all of us. I cannot imagine how much you will all miss her. I know those of us at Kaplan miss her already and will continue to do so. Thank you for sharing this special woman with us. She touched so many lives. Know that she inspired us all to be better friends, nurses, and educators. She will not be forgotten and her legacy lives on. Prayers to all of you. Tracy

I hold Melissa's presence in my life with great regard. She graciously agreed to serve as my guide during my master's program at Kaplan. Words cannot begin to describe how much I learned from Melissa. More important, is how much it changed me. Melissa showed me how to be the best I could be.. as a nurse...and as an educator. She did this by example. I carry her with me into my classrooms every day. I celebrate her life, and thank her for her gifts.

My heart goes out to Bill and Shannon - I'm praying for you both. And my deepest sympathies for Autumn.

You were truly an inspiration in my nursing career. You will be missed. Thank you so much for everything you taught me.

I learned so much from Melissa about being a mentor and teaching others in nursing. She will be a permanent part of my career as a teacher and nurse practitioner.

My heart is saddened. Melissa and her family were our next door neighbors. Melissa and her brothers, Tim and Bruce and her parents, Don and Ida were like our extended family. Our years growing up together were priceless. Melissa was always sweet, gentle and... That smile! I will never forget her smile. Jeri and I are praying for the family at this very difficult time.

I miss you, Mama. We're not okay without you. I love you and always have.

My hearty condolences to the family. May rest in peace.

I myself feel I am a better person for having known Prof Melissa. For many Kaplan students, Prof Melissa was one of the first instructors we came to know and adore. Her passion for life and her love for nursing will be forever radiated by the students she so willingly helped and supported.

My sincere condolences to the family, especially to Tim, who along with Bruce and Melissa, I knew for a long, long time growing up in Houston. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill, Shannon – Please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of Melissa. She touched all that knew her and we are all blessed for having her in our lives. She will be greatly missed. Tom Greathouse

I will always remember her good laugh and infectious smile

My thoughts and prayers to Bill and Shannon. I worked with Melissa at IVNA and she always had a smile on her face and made everyone around her smile. She will truly be missed.

Bill, Shannon and Carie; I’m so sorry to hear about Melissa. Because of her personality, smile and laugh she was someone you become friends with very easily. You and your families have my deepest sympathies.

I will treasure the memories of laughter and early morning and late afternoon group discussions over the "neighborhood" cubicals at RSHC, and the calls and on-line chats while at Kaplan. My condolences to Bill, daughter, granddaughter and family. Melissa is gone, but never forgotten.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss of a wonderful, beautiful woman.

Dear Family, So sorry to hear about Melissa. What a huge loss for ALL. Know she just loved nursing. Last time I saw Melissa was at one of our High School reunions. Was so much fun visiting with her.... Prayers for strength are going up now, for all family members. Love, Ann Heimstead Lawler

I worked with Melissa at IVNA several years ago in Richmond. She was an inspiration, always working toward the highest levels of patient care. I know she is missed by her family and friends; she will also be missed greatly in the profession of nursing.

Rest in sweet peace dearest Melissa

Dear Winkie & Family, We have been so saddened hearing about the passing of Melissa. Melissa is very special to me, as she prompted me to enter into the world of nursing education, where we have shared a love for our nursing students. Please, know that you and your family are very dear to us and that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the God of our hearts surround you with His love and comfort to sustain you through this time. We love you! Gail, John, Kyle, & Chrissy

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Mrs. Thomas-Eckroade had such an amazing impact on my education, career, and professionalism. I'm thankful for her influence and having been able to learn from her. Prayers to all of the family for peace. Thankful for Jesus and the comfort of knowing I will see her again!

Shannon & Autumn - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. God Bless.

Deepest sympathy to Melissa's family in your great loss of a much loved person. We sang together in Richmond Concert Chorale for several years. Melissa was a beautiful person, inside and out. We will be thinking of you all.

Joe & I are sorry for your loss, I pray for God to comfort you every day Trust in Him always. Love & prayers to all of you.

So sorry - before her time, really.

Hi, everyone. I wanted to tell all of you that I put a picture tribute together for my mother that played at the funeral home. It is now uploaded to my FB page, so you may search for me - Shannon Gregory (Richmond, VA) and view it as I made it a public post. You don't have to be my friend to view. My FB profile picture is of her and me if you find several Shannon Gregory's. Please feel free to hit the share button so others who I may not be able to reach can view. Thank you.

May God give you peace and understanding during this difficult time. Mrs.Eckroade was indeed a blessing to the Riverside School of Professional Nursing. I am honored to have been taught by her.

So sorry for your loss, may God bring you peace and comfort during this time.

I am so happy that I had a chance to reconnect with Melissa before she was called to heaven. Her laughter was contagious. Her positive attitude and kindness shone through all her interactions with colleagues and students. She left a lasting impression on so many lives and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family a this time of loss.

Melissa and I went to SHS and college together. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for healing and strength during this difficult time

so sorry to hear that melissa is gone form us she will be missed by all i know i will miss seeing her but we now one day we will meet again

I am so sad to hear this. We lived on the same street in Sharpstown and went to school together for years!!! PRECIOUS PERSON.

Melissa was a wonderful role model to her students & a great teacher. I am honored to have had the privilege of being a colleague. My sympathy to all her family. Rose Saunders Former Vice-President, Southside Regional Medical Center School of Nursing

So very sorry for your loss... Melissa was a great friend of mine. We both attended Sharpstown HS. I always loved her smile and cheery disposition. You always lit up the room.

I am so shocked and saddened by Melissa's passing. She was one of my favorite instructors at Kaplan University. My prayers and sympathies are with the family.

Melissa will be missed by all at Kaplan. She was such a tremendous asset to the School of nursing. She will be remembered and missed by us all. MAT

Sorry to hear this sad news. I started online at Kaplan University in October 2013 and Prof Melissa was my first Professor. She has been my favorite. She even answered my emails when I had questions about APA paper and I had finished with her course. I could not have done as good in my courses with writing papers if I had not had Prof Melissa. I will keep all the family in my prayers. Teresa

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you in this great time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing she loved you deeply and will now watch over you from above.

Melissa will be sorely missed by those of us she supported and mentored. My prayers go out to her family at this time.

Thank you all for every word. She loved all of you. She is the most giving person ever. She talked to me about all her students. Her life revolved around her granddaughter and her students. She would make us wait for timely events to make sure her students were taken care of. This is my mother. This is my best friend. Her smile will always light my way.

I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Working with Melissa at IVNA created some very fond memories and some great times. She will be greatly missed by all who know her.

Melissa you will be missed dearly. Even though there were miles between us, I thought of you often. I remember when you visited, you would light up the room with your smile and energy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tim, I love you, cousin.

We are so sorry for your loss. Too young! Our love and prayers are with you all.