Mariana Alise Mullen Melendez was born on July 17, 2015, at 5:09 pm. From birth, Mariana entered this world on her own time with her own rules. At a whopping 8 lbs. 3.5 oz., she was two days late and ready to change the lives of her parents, Monique Mullen and Antonio Melendez Sanchez, forever. Only a few short weeks after that, it was discovered that Mariana had a rare brain disorder called Lobar Holoprosencephaly. As a result of this, Mariana never got to experience walking or talking; so she found her own joy in spite of the doctors' poor prognosis on her quality of life. She found her own ways to communicate with her family and enjoyed falling asleep anywhere she could. Mariana lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed Minnie Mouse, listening to music, playing with her sisters, and her favorite pastime was biting any and everything she could get her hands on. Mariana received physical, occupational, and speech therapy from her initial diagnosis to the current school year.

She achieved awards such as Student of the Month at William Reeves Elementary School. Mariana continued her education at Whitesville Elementary School as a student in the 3rd grade. She became well-known and loved by teachers and students. Mariana was a member of Baum Temple A.M.E. Zion Church where she was baptized. She had a big personality and had several nicknames. Some of the names she responded to were: Snickerdoodle, Baby T-Rex, Marinara Sauces, Mama Snick, Princess, Doodle, and so on.

She was preceded in death by her Great Grandmother, Estoria Mullen (Mema), Great Great Grandparents, Marshall and Virginia Ketchens and Cousin, Maddox Wolfe.

On the morning of Sunday, November 19, 2023, Mariana transitioned in her sleep, leaving behind many family and friends who loved and adored her. She leaves to cherish her memory: Her parents, Monique Mullen (Dalton Anderson) and Antonio Melendez Sanchez; sisters, Melina and Maria Melendez and Morgan Anderson; grandparents, Marcia Mullen, Veronica Sanchez-Lopez, Antonio Melendez Torres; godparents, Melissa Mullen Jones and Frederick Buckson; aunt, Mariyah Mullen and uncle, Marion Mullen, along with great aunts, great uncles, cousins, and a host of friends, therapists, teachers, and classmates. She will be deeply missed.

John 16:22; So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you to share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Miss. Mariana Melendez for future generations to come here on our website.