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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Melissa Kuhlman Black on January 12, 2024, in Satellite Beach, Florida. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Melissa was the beloved daughter of Charles Kuhlman and the late Britta Kuhlman. As the daughter of a United States Air Force family, she spent her childhood traveling across the country and the world, living in Ohio, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, and even Bangkok, Thailand, alongside her sisters, Terry and Wendy.
Melissa graduated from Satellite High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree with Honors from the University of Florida. A dedicated and brilliant student, she built a successful career in various fields, including bank management, office administration, human resources, and facility security. Her kind spirit, intelligence, and persevering work ethic were always evident to those who knew her.
As an adult, Melissa lived in Florida, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland, where she became an active and passionate volunteer in her communities. She served at her churches, enjoyed volunteering and substitute teaching in her children’s schools, and helping out at local food pantries. Melissa’s dedication to making the world a better place extended to her support of the Freedom Hill Horse Rescue and End Hunger Calvert County, both causes close to her heart.
Melissa had a deep love for animals, especially her horse, Sissy, her cats Allie, Pepper, & Mocha and her beloved dogs, Shannon and Jasmine. She found solace and her ‘happy place’ at the barn or the beach. Caring for her horse, going for trail rides and walking the beautiful beaches of Florida’s Space Coast lifted her spirits and filled her with gratitude. She was awed by the beauty of the sunrises and the power of the waves. She collected many seashells, charmed by the unique beauty of God’s amazing creations.
She is survived by her loving father, Charles Kuhlman; her sisters, Terry Butt (husband Jon Butt) and Wendy Graff (husband Rob Graff); her devoted husband, Andy Black; and her beloved children, Charlie Vasko (wife Maddie Vasko) and granddaughters Abigail and Sarah, Lindsey Pendry (husband Casey Pendry) and their unborn child, and Alyssa Vasko.
She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Lauren Butt, Julianne Butt, Kyle Butt (wife Amy Gottschling), Jessica Henderson (husband Jordan Henderson), Daniel Graff, and Jake Graff (fiancée Savannah Schleich).
Melissa's sweet warmth, generosity, and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Melissa’s memory to Freedom Hill Horse Rescue at www.freedomhillhorserescue.com, a cause she deeply supported.
A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends.
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We Entrusted Melissa Black's Care To
Beach Funeral Homes - East
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