Norfolk—Melinda Marcus Vooss, 53, passed away October 23, 2022, in her home in Norfolk, Va., surrounded by her loving family.
Melinda was born March 7, 1969, to Charles and Linda Marcus in Portsmouth, Va. She was a graduate of Norfolk Collegiate School and University of Georgia, with a degree in journalism and visual arts in 1991. She completed a degree in art education from Old Dominion University in 2004.
Melinda touched so many lives with her bright smile, kind heart, and positive spirit. Her life was centered around finding and sharing the laughter and joy in every day. This carried through her 27 years of marriage with Scott, to guiding and inspiring their children, Zoey and Maxwell. She loved her family and friends deeply.
She was also a caring and passionate teacher. Completing her second degree while raising two young children was a hard-fought and pivotal moment as she spent the next 18 years fully committed to helping students discover their inner artist. This love of creating and teaching carried over into opening a franchise DIY studio business in 2018. Standing in front of her storefront and cutting the yellow ribbon was such a great source of pride.
But Melinda was happiest when her home was filled with laughter. She did her part, as she was always the prankster. Sunsets, paddle-boarding with Moses, and making a delicious mess in the kitchen were also some of her greatest pleasures. As was creating memories—and there were many.
In addition to her parents, husband, and two children, left to cherish her memory are sisters Randi (Brad), and Lori, sister-in-law Tami (Chuck), nieces and nephews Carly, Ryan, Zachary, Rachel, Ethan, Joshua, Elodie, and Violet, as well as a full host of loving family and friends.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.
Melinda’s wish was to support the advancement of the arts across our community, as well as provide scholarships to students pursuing art education degrees. Go to https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/artfully-yours-melinda-vooss-memorial-scholarship-fund/7137/ to contribute to a new art education scholarship fund established in Melinda’s honor.
Condolences may be left for the family at https://altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com.