"Melodi brought joy to her work every day and inspired us all by her commitment to her family, most especially her young sons Lars and Erik," said Davis, who is director of evaluation services at NCIPH and adjunct assistant professor of health behavior and health education at the School. "Her favorite Tar Heel was Tyler Hansbrough, who reflected her own drive and excellence."

 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, Siler City, N.C. The funeral will be held at the church Thursday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

 

She is survived by her husband, Trent Thrift, and three children, including two at home.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chatham Area Network of Therapeutic Riding. One son, who has cerebral palsy, benefits from the work the organization does with special-needs children and adults. A fundraiser for the family will be held on Friday, Jan. 27. More information is available online.

 

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UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, (919) 966-7467 or ramona_dubose@unc.edu.