Melissa Joy Swaby (née Robinson, and known for most of her life by her middle name, Joy) sadly passed away on the 27th January 2021. She was born in 1968 in Leeds, the youngest of seven siblings born to Raphael and the late Kathleen Robinson. Around the age of three, Melissa moved to Nottingham with her family, living in Sherwood Rise, St Ann’s and the Meadows before settling in Clifton until 1986. As a child, Melissa was a talented student and keen netballer. Although initially very shy, Melissa soon blossomed and became very popular among her peers, maintaining several strong bonds with close friends into adulthood. 

In 1986, Melissa met Alvalin Swaby, her husband to be. They went on to have four sons, Rabbi, Israel, Aaron and Solomon. As a young woman, Melissa gave everything to her role as a mother, setting an example of strength, love, discipline and respect for her boys. She drew many into her warm embrace over the years, as the same devotion, passion and protective nature that she held for her children translated into her closest relationships with friends and family. 

In later years, Melissa joined the Congregation of Yahweh church, becoming an integral part of the team. Her natural ability to care for others also drove her to pursue a career as a youth support worker. She excelled as a compassionate and tenacious worker who was loved and respected by the young people she supported.  

Melissa took pride in everything she did, from maintaining an immaculate home as a devoted wife and mother, to going above and beyond for the young people she served as a support worker. It is this wonderful blend of love, strength and passion which made all of those who knew Melissa respect and love her dearly. 

Melissa was a mother, sister, cousin, aunty, friend and more recently, grandmother (nana). The space she leaves behind is impossible to fill, and the ache felt in the hearts of those who loved her will run long and deep, but her unwavering love will live on, and warm those hearts as they slowly heal.