Melissa Louise Bartee
September 30, 1931-May 9, 2025
Melissa Louise Bartee, “Lish”, “Gram”, “Wee Wee” at the age of 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 9, 2025. She passed peacefully with her family by her side.
Melissa was born on September 30, 1931, to Howard, Sr. and Nancy Duncan, in Springfield, Missouri, where she was reared with older sisters and brothers, Ramona, Rosanna, Howard, Jr., and Robert. She came to Omaha in the early 1950’s and pursued a long career as a Dietitian at Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, (NPI). After retiring from NPI, she served in the same capacity at Child Savings Institute (CSI) for ten years.
Melissa was a beacon of Christ showing love and maternal warmth to all who knew her. She was a devoted member of Clair United Methodist Church serving on numerous church committees and was a proud charter member of her beloved “Joyful Sounds” church choir.
Additionally, Louise was a member of the Faberge Women’s Social Club during the 1960’s and 1970’s. She also served in the Omaha Chapter, No. 6, Order of the Eastern Star (Prince Hall Affiliation) Nebraska Jurisdiction.
She was a volunteer at Lothrop School where she was fondly referred to as “Grandma.”
Louise was a healthy and active woman with graciousness and elegance who loved life, enjoyed people and was always happy to visit with friends, family, and strangers. Most importantly, she was a generous, welcoming, and approachable person. One of her favorite mottos was “It’s not doing what you enjoy, it’s enjoying what you do”, and she found joy in everything she did.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents; sisters; and brothers. She is survived by her sons: Jerry (Ramona), Ronnie (Lucy), and her daughter, Paula Sue; numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and countless other loving family members and friends. She was the heart and soul of our family, and she will be dearly missed.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 3:00PM at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, 5544 Ames St., Omaha, NE.
To view a live Broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
7 Comments
Cousin Louise always brought such joy to my life. Her genuinely warm greeting and conversation that always made me feel and believe that it was just the two of us for those moments we shared together. I know that my love of family came from Louise’s constant reminders of how important we-family are to one another. From soul food cooking to the Clair Church choir, sports to social graces, I learned a lot from Louise by observing and admiring her. I am grateful for her journey. So much more to say, yet I will continue to live my life with a little piece of Louise forever implanted in my soul. Peace sweet peace.
I loved my aunt Louise! She was a beautiful person inside and out! I remember the summers spent sitting on her porch laughing and talking to aunt Lou! She was very dear to me!
Louise was one of the most delightful women I have known. She was always cordial and friendly towards everyone who enjoyed her culinary skills at NPI. I don’t think anyone who was lucky enough to enjoy her cinnamon rolls at NPI would ever taste a better one. You had to be early in line to be lucky enough to have one of the delicious rolls. Condolences to Louise’s family. She was an unforgettable woman and had a blessed influence on anyone who knew her. Thank you your contributions to many lives.
Our heart ❤️ is full from , knowing a great and humble woman of, strength, courage and love for everyone!! We our sending our prayers to our cousins. We loved her for being kind and generous! Love ; Gene & Almeda Wead.
Dear Jerry and Ramona, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so thankful for all the way Sister Bartee was a blessing to me as her Pastor for Six years and she continued to love me over the years since! My prayers and thoughts are with the family as you lay this faithful servant to rest.
Paula Sue, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved Mother. I met you working at St. Joe Hospital when we were kids. You were lovely and kind, I just knew your Mom raised you that way. God bless you, your family and I will keep you and Mom in my prayers! Thanks for being my friend
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