Gary & Mel Ann Sullivan

Mel Ann (Britton) Sullivan, 52, of Millry, AL passed from this life Sunday, July 22, 2018. She was born in Anchorage, AK on Saturday, November 20, 1965 to Walter "W. C." and Jimmye Britton. She moved to Aquila in 1979 and attended Millry High School where she met her husband, Gary Sullivan. She graduated with a Degree in Communication from the University of Alabama.

Mel Ann had a career in marketing for three decades, spanning several community development roles that allowed her to form relationships with people throughout the state.  She loved her community and always embraced the people whom God brought into her life. She shared her love for God and her love for people with everyone she encountered. A high school cheerleader, Mel Ann continued to energize and inspire others throughout her life.

She was deeply devoted to her family and her faith in God.  She loved to write, speak, and nurture close relationships, contributing her gifts both professionally and in service of the Lord. She authored a beautiful book, called “I Need a Better Friend,” where she professed that “God has given me the desires of my heart, and not the least of them - the delight of a relationship with Christ that far exceeds salvation alone.”  She is now in Heaven with her Best Friend.

Mel Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Sullivan; parents, Walter "W. C." and Jimmye Britton. She is survived by her loving children, Britton Sullivan, Brae Sullivan, Breanna Sullivan all of Millry, AL; 2 brothers, Jim Britton, Fayette, AL, Paul Britton, Houston, TX; sister, Janet Wallace, Corinth, MS; a host of nieces and nephews.

Gary Glen Sullivan, 54, of Millry, AL passed from this life Sunday, July 22, 2018. He was born in Waynesboro, MS on Friday, January 17, 1964 to Isaiah, Jr. and Daisy Sullivan. He grew up in Red Creek with his four brothers and his parents, Daisy and Junior Sullivan. He attended Millry High School and later married his high school sweetheart, Mel Ann Britton. He earned his undergraduate degree in Education and Social Science from Auburn University and his Master’s Degree in Social Science from Troy State University.

He was called to mentor young people and share his love of learning. For almost thirty years, he impacted his students’ lives as both a history teacher and a football coach at Millry High School and Wayne Academy. His students will remember him through his acts of compassion and his steady guidance.

Gary was a dedicated father and husband, who supported his family in their relationships with God. He served Christ as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Mentor for others in his community. The people close to him will remember Gary as a kind and compassionate servant.

Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Mel Ann Sullivan. He is survived by his loving children, Britton Sullivan, Brae Sullivan, Breanna Sullivan all of Millry, AL; parents, Isaiah, Jr. and Daisy Sullivan, Millry, AL; 4 brothers, Wiley Washington Sullivan, John Westley "Poodle" Sullivan, Wendell Delain Sullivan, Timothy Kent Sullivan all of Millry, AL; a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Gary and Mel Ann Sullivan will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in the Parlor of Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 26, 2018 with a lie-in-state from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sand Ridge Church of God in Millry, AL with Rev. Michael Edward Stevenson, Jr. officiating. Graveside Services will be held privately by the immediate family members.

In loving memory of their parents and in lieu of flowers, the children of Gary and Mel Ann Sullivan request donations may be made to the Gary and Mel Ann Sullivan Scholarship Fund at University of Mobile.  Donations may be mailed to:  University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Attn: Office for University Development.