Melissa Ann Hodges was born October 29th, 1966, to Frank and Sarah Palacios, in Sacramento California. She was raised in Del Paso Heights and graduated from Grant Union High School in 1984. Melissa went on to graduate from Western Career College right before welcoming first son Harry in 1986. With her Dental Assisting Certification and her new career, Melissa developed a true love for healthy teeth and furthered her education to earn an associate's degree. 

Melissa was exotic and possessed beauty inside and out. She was soulful and loved her music! Her younger years were all about Prince, but her range of artists grew as she aged, ultimately, she loved Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Loose Ends, and recently Cardi B.

In 1990, Melissa met Aaron who became her best friend and they soon fell in love. Aaron and Melissa were married in April 1992 and together welcomed their son Gavin in 1993.  Melissa expanded her worldview in 2004 when Aaron’s career moved them to Columbus, Ohio where they resided until 2016.  It was then that the Hodges moved back to Sacramento so Melissa could be closer to her aging parents. 

In 2022, Aaron and Melissa renewed their vows with a beautiful ceremony celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary that was held in their own home. All who attended had the chance to witness Melissa’s talent to create an abundance from the smallest amount. 

Melissa is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Sarah Palacios, and her brother Ben Palacios. She leaves to cherish her memory to her sons, Harry Andrews, Jr. and Gavin Hodges, both of Sacramento, California, daughters Sharrion Hodges of Dallas, Texas and Porche Hodges of Elk Grove, California, six grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. 

Melissa will be remembered for her scent of “Light Blue” by Dolce and Gabbana, her sense of humor, talent and creativity, cooking, love of music, thoughtfulness, and love of family.