Melissa Mccarthy

Melissa Trueheart McCarthy, loving wife, mother, daughter & friend, went home to her Lord and Savior on September 8, 2022 at St. Martin’s in the Pines, Birmingham, Alabama, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her parents, Bruce and Trudy Martin, her beloved husband of 41 years, Blane McCarthy, and her adored sons, Andrew McCarthy, and Christopher McCarthy. Melissa is also mourned by her sister, Melinda (Mindy) Martin-Clark, and brother, Jody Martin.

The firstborn of Bruce & Trudy Martin, Melissa will be remembered by her family and friends for her sensitivity, loving-kindness, and quiet strength. Although partially paralyzed by a diving accident at age 16, Melissa finished her High School education with her classmates at John Shaw High School in Mobile, AL, and proceeded to graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Melissa was proud to dedicate her talents as a research assistant to multiple areas of biomedical research, and enjoyed participating in efforts to advance medical science. She was employed as a research assistant by UAB from before college graduation until she retired in 2015. Along the way, she met the love of her life, her devoted husband Blane, and gave birth to twin boys. She became a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, where she was actively involved in children’s Sunday school, loved singing in the choir, and assisted in the library at Briarwood Christian School when her boys were young.

Having spent four months on bed rest to keep them safe during her pregnancy, it is no surprise that Melissa’s twin boys were her most important and beloved accomplishment. She devoted herself to their spiritual and personal development, being particularly proud when both boys achieved Eagle Scout status with the Boy Scouts of America.

Also of particular joy to Melissa, was sharing a passionate enthusiasm for the UAB Blazers with her husband Blane. They were devoted fans and supporters of both the basketball and football programs and together enjoyed attending games at every opportunity.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life being held Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Briarwood Presbyterian Church Chapel at 2:00 pm. The family will be receiving those wishing to pay respects between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm in the fellowship hall across from the Chapel.

For those interested in honoring her, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Melissa T M McCarthy’s memory to the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund, UAB Gift Records, AB 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294.