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Melissa Jean Thrower Poitevient, 36, of Bainbridge, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023. 

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Benjamin Miller and Rev. Chris Humphries officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to: Hands & Hearts for Horses, 3824 Lower Cairo Road, Thomasville, GA 31792 or Hang Tough Foundation, 227 E. Virginia Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. 

Melissa Jean Thrower was born March 7, 1987, in Newnan, GA, the daughter of Tim Thrower and Michele Stokes Thrower (Miller). She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 2005, and earned two master’s degrees, one being from Valdosta State University. Her education goals were based on a yearning to understand and provide for her children. Melissa worked as an associate supervisor for ABA Essentials and was Christian by faith. 

Prior to her move to Bainbridge in 2004, Melissa lived in Newnan, Franklin, and Conyers, GA. She was very outgoing and completely committed to her children and client families. Her passion was children on the autism spectrum, and she worked tirelessly to support their desires. Melissa lived by a scheduled and maintained her professionalism accepting hugs only when she was upset. Hobbies the children enjoyed often became her hobbies. Melissa enjoyed working with horses providing therapeutic experiences for children. She was a fitness buff believing in the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Melissa had a fondness for felines and collected stuffed animals. Her legacy of love, spirit of giving, and cheering on the underdog will live on in the lives she touched. Melissa will be remembered for staying the course and never giving up on anything.

Survivors include her children, Isaac Alexander Poitevient and Aimee Grace Poitevient; her parents, Michele & Mike Miller of Bainbridge; and Tim & Eileen Thrower of Athens; her siblings, Mark Anthony Thrower (Lori), Christina Thrower, Jessica Chapman, Jonathan Thrower, Nathan Lawrence (Samantha), Benjamin Lawrence (Anna), Hannah Lawrence, and Mallory Lawrence; her grandmothers, Marie Thrower and Jean Stokes; her nieces & nephews, Payton, Laylah, and Landon; and a host of extended family. Melissa was preceded in death by her husband of 18 years, Jody Ray Poitevient; and her grandfathers, Andrew Thrower and Leonard Groves.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)