The four sisters who died in an Aug. 30 structure fire will be eulogized Tuesday.
Kalani Rae Melvin, Kendall Xaiya Melvin, Josephina Renee Melvin, Sophia Nachelle Melvin died when the outbuilding the family was using as a temporary home caught fire during the early morning hours. No adults were in the home at the time of the fire, according to officials. Their 12-year-old sister Winter Green and another girl, also 12, escaped the fire.
The memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Worthington Funeral Chapel in Chadbourn. Family will speak to friends following the service. The funeral home said the service was rescheduled at the request of the family.
Patrick Ellis, the father of the girls, is also scheduling a funeral service. Those arrangements have not been announced.
“Kalani, Kendall, Josie, and Sophie were bright lights who brought joy to everyone around them,” their obituary reads. “They loved being outdoors, whether at the pool, the beach, or soaking up the sunshine, and their laughter filled every space with warmth. Their days were happiest when singing, dancing, and sharing their favorite treats of strawberries and grapes.”
The obituary said “Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia’s favorite was watching Bluey.
“They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them.”
Ellis thanked the community for their support.
“I want to sincerely thank the people of Chadbourn and the surrounding communities for the incredible love, prayers, and support you have shown my family during this devastating time,” he said in a statement provided by family spokesman Joseph Foster. “Your compassion has been a comfort to us as we grieve the loss of my four children. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we walk through this unimaginable loss.”
The investigation into the fire is continuing, according to Sheriff BIll Rogers and Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman.
A female caller reported the blaze at the North Colony Road property around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. A deputy was on the scene in less than nine minutes, followed shortly by a Chadbourn Rescue crew returning form a call. The building was completely engulfed when the deputy arrived, according to Rogers and Blackman.
The fire is considered the deadliest in Columbus County in more than a century. No charges have been filed in the case.
“Our community is facing an unimaginable tragedy,” Rogers and Blackman said in a joint statement. “We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time.”
Ansley Hayes established a GoFundMe with the permission of the family to help with final expenses. The address is https://gofund.me/aae34414
