Melissa Granier passed away unexpectedly after a life long battle with Congestive Heart Failure precipitated by a Congenital Heart Defect on the morning of November 16, 2020 at the age of 44.

Melissa is survived by her father, George Pickens; her husband, Brian Granier; her children, Taylor and Davan Gaddis; her step-children, Moira and Hunter Granier; her brother and his wife, Clayton Pickens and Susan Scheetz; her dogs, Carlos, Jackie, Kitsune and Kali; her grand-dog, Scooby; and her bunny Snowball.

Melissa was born in Houston, TX on June 20, 1976 to George and Ann Pickens. She attended Greenwood Elementary; Wunderlich Intermediate, and Klein Forest High with time in Northland Christian High School Graduating from Klein Forest High. She earned an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Technolgy Management while working full time.

Despite her three open heart surgeries, beginning at the age of 2, and a myriad of other medical challenges and procedures, she defied all odds and challenged everything she was told she could not do. She lived her life to the fullest as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, sports fan, Christian and contributing member of society. She contributed as a professional in a technical career with Nokia, Radio Shack and Assurian. She gave birth to her two daughers, Taylor and Davan through additional medical complications and against the advice of her doctors with the help of faith and willpower. Despite her limitations, she participated in dance and soccer as a child and even completed a mud run while living near the Woodlands towards the end of her life. When disaster strikes or others are in need, she was always there to extend a helpful hand such as delivering supplies to first responders and affected individuals during Harvey, serving food to homeless for Thanksgiving (and other times of the year), participating in outreach programs through the church, delivering food to elderly or at-risk individuals in need during the current COVID-19 Pandemic or even as simple as going out of her way to help friends to or from a doctors visit or taking an elderly women in her 90's out for a birthday lunch. As a mother, she has always made a point to be present for all of her children's events and worked hard to provide a rich and full life. She participated as a girlscout leader, acted as chaufer for school, swim practice and meets, rehearsals for church or school choir and theatre productions.

She shared her passion for sports with everyone that was interested, especially her husband. She enjoyed watching football, beginning in the days of the Oilers. While she moved to Tennessee, she briefly followed suit with paying attention to the Titans. However, her loyalty remained truthfully in Houston to support the Texans after they were formed. She said many times that she would want it to be known that she does not care much for Peyton Manning, Tom Brady nor the Patriots. GO TEXANS. Her stronger fandom is with the Astros. While she missed being able to attend games in person this year, she was excited to attend virtually with a cut-out and watched the majority of the regular season and post-season games from home. She would also want it to be known that she shivered every time she watched the games against the Dodgers and having to watch Yasiel Puig lick his bats as part of his routine.

She has remained a faithful and observant Christian throughout her life as a member of Champion Forest Baptist Church since she was a child. While she did move out of state for a few years in her lifetime, she maintained her connection with God at all stages of her life and most recently continued her relationship with the Lord through regular attendance (virtual or not) to Sunday service, Life group attendance and participation in bible study with the Joy Sisters Fellowship.

Amongst all others, the time leading up to Christmas has always been her favorite time of year. While she enjoys Christmas itself and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, she preferred living in the days and the celebration leading up to this wondrous celebration. This is the time of year that society tends to focus their attention on friendship, fellowship and worship and open their hearts to the needs of others. The other reason Melissa enjoyed this holiday more than any other is because it always brings her fond memories of her mother, Ann, who was called home to the Lord at the age of 53 in July of 1998 after a battle with cancer. Throughout her life, she cherished and drew comfort in the memories she had with her mother. While it brings those of us left behind sorrow in her passing, she is now at home with her mother in heaven to reunite at a very special time.

Memorial services for Melissa are being planned at Champion Forest Baptist Church - Champions Campus Chapel (15555 Stuebner Airline Rd) to begin at 10 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2020. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating in Melissa's name to the Childrens Heart Foundation to further research in fighting congenital heart defects at http://www.ChildrensHeartFoundation.org or by calling (847) 634-6474.

Virtual Attendance Options: Beginning at 9:30 AM, the Memorial Service will be available through a Facebook live stream from Melissa's Facebook account. It will also be broadcast in a webinar style Zoom at https://memorialhermann.zoom.us/j/98866691808 .