Melissa A. Thomas, 62, of Black River, NY, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at University Hospital in Syracuse.
Melissa was born on March 3, 1963, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of William and Barbara (Trainham) Decker. She attended Carthage Central High School.
Following high school, Melissa married Dwayne Woodruff. The couple moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they were stationed with the military. The couple started a family before their marriage later ended in divorce. Melissa devoted herself to her role as a homemaker.
She eventually returned to Black River, where she later married Forest W. Thomas Jr. He predeceased her on February 17, 2025.
Melissa enjoyed baking and, above all, cherished spending time with her many grandchildren.
She is survived by her three children: Jesse Woodruff of Florida; Joshua and Chenoa Woodruff, of Watertown; and Forest “Billy” Thomas III of Watertown. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Madilyn, Zaydin, Camden, Reighla, Brendyn, and Isaiah.
Melissa is also survived by her siblings: Stephen and Natalie Decker of Pennsylvania; Christopher and Lisa Decker of Watson, NY; Roxanne and Patrick Kenney of Black River, NY; William and Nichole Decker of Oswego, NY; Robert and Erin Decker of Watertown, NY; and Virginia “Gigi” and Robert Buckley of Black River, NY. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, William and Barbara Decker, and by her beloved son, Jacob G. Thomas, who passed away on September 29, 2019.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Bruce Funeral Home of Black River. The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Black River American Legion. Burial will take place in the spring at Black River Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com.
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