Wassel, Melynda Jean

Melynda Jean Wassel, age 66, of Middletown, VA, gained her wings on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Melynda was the daughter of the late Barbara Taylor White and Delbert E. White. She was born in Radford, VA, and spent the first part of her life with her family in Pulaski, VA, where she graduated from Pulaski County High School as Valedictorian with perfect attendance, Class of 1977.

Melynda worked at the National Security Agency in Hanover, MD, serving in positions of increasing responsibility until she retired for health reasons. She then moved with her loving husband of 46 years, Richard W. Wassel, to the quiet countryside of Middletown, VA. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and caring for her dog, Jordy, amid the natural beauty of rural Virginia.

She leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her treasured son, Seth J. Wassel, and his wife, Yasmeen Ali, of Reisterstown, MD; her younger brother, Thomas J. White, of Alexandria, VA; and her stepmother, Geri Ray White, of Erwin, TN; as well as the extended family members of her husband. Melynda was a quiet, studious, and private person, but she deeply cherished her enduring childhood friendships with Suzy and Sara Luttrell, and her close-knit family life growing up in Pearce Place, a neighborhood in Pulaski.

A small private ceremony, following cremation, will be held in Middletown, VA, in accordance with her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions in her memory may do so to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation