August 14, 1955 ~ October 8, 2023 (age 68)
On October the 8th 2023 the spirit of Melody Dawn Wagner, aged 68, ascended from this world. She was born in Hickory, North Carolina on August 14th 1955. A longtime resident of Riegelwood, North Carolina where she resided for the remainder of her lifetime.
She was the epitome of unconditional love; an amazing mother, wife, grandmother and friend to all. Always helping those in need without a second thought, even to those that were unkind, she extended her love and compassion for. In her passing, she chose to give herself to those in need through organ and tissue donations to HonorBridge, a nonprofit donor organization that helps bridge between loss and life. In hopes that even though her time has passed, she will bring hope and healing to so many others.
From getting “all dolled up” in her ball gowns for a night on the town, to spending her time with her hands in the dirt, she wore it all with beauty & grace. She was a class act on and off the dance floor and had many passions in life, but enjoyed gardening the most of all.
For many years, she sold homegrown produce to the local community, focusing her passion on growing vegetables and flowers. Her hard-working nature and determination lead her to start her own landscaping business, The Lucky Lady Bugs Landscaping, which she started with her children working by her side. Her love for gardening was unmatched, so much so that in her later years, she grew the world’s tallest Zinnia. In which, she and her husband surpassed that record multiple times and still hold the world’s record for growing the tallest Zinnia, named “My Lucky Lady” after Melody herself.
Through all the years of growing the most beautiful blooms she was the prettiest of all. She was a gift to this world, always finding beauty and enjoyment in the smallest of things. She cared for all the “critters”, from her many rescued pets that she cared for throughout her life to the tiniest frog that crossed her path. She loved all life without limits.
Despite all of the challenges, the struggles and the up’s and down’s life sent her way, she always lived with an open heart and brought a childlike glee to every moment. From the joy in her eyes to her genuinely glorious smile, she would easily get “tickled” and have bouts of laughter that filled the room and made everything brighter. The glimmer of her light in this world will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Melody always said, “My heart is in the mountains!” Therefore, the family has decided that her ashes will be taken to her final resting place in the NC mountains where she always wanted to be.
She is survived by her husband, Everett Wallace Jr.; her five children: Heidi, Rebecca, Susan, Brian and Crystal; her three grandchildren: Axton, Colt and Cayde; and her beloved puppy dogs: Daisy and Benji.
Private services will be held for immediate family, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. In lieu of giving flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Purple Pepper Plant Shop in Delco, NC for a memorial garden to be built in her honor.
