Melissa L. Dowell

03/11/1981 - 01/05/2026

Melissa L. Dowell, 44, of Fairfield, Kentucky, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on January 5, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with illness. She faced her disease much as she lived her life—with bravery, resilience, humor, and a light that refused to be extinguished.

Melissa’s infectious laughter and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. While her absence leaves an undeniable quiet here on earth, we are confident the angels are rejoicing—because the entertainment has officially arrived.

She was preceded in death by her father, C. Jeff Marcum; grandparents, Ken and Estalene Petrey, Donald Plummer, and Martha Plummer; and great-grandparents, Ray and Ida Plummer.

Melissa is survived by her beloved children, Kaleb Delozier of Findlay, Ohio, and Zane Delozier of Lexington, Kentucky; her loving husband, Kevin Dowell of Fairfield, Kentucky; her parents, John and Debra Petrey of Hobe Sound, Florida; her parents-in-law, Daryl and Mary Dowell of Hardinsburg, Kentucky; her brother-in-law, Jeff Dowell of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; her sisters, Shannen (Robbie) Bailey of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Jessica (Josh Bettencourt) Scearcy of Piketon, Ohio; her brother, John T. (Stephanie) Petrey; and a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Melissa was a graduate of Central High School in Lexington, Kentucky. She held certifications as a pharmacy technician, dental assistant, and personal trainer. A natural caregiver, she devoted her adult life to caring for others in many capacities, always giving of herself with compassion and grace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7, 2026, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Please contact the family for additional details.