Melody Hannibal

Celebrating the Life of Melody Hannibal

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Melody poured her heart into large family gatherings, ensuring that every holiday and occasion was a joyous celebration.

Melody was born on Mother's Day, May 11, 1947, in New York City, New York, to Lillian and Charles Morris. In her preschool years, the family moved to Avenel, New Jersey, where she attended and graduated from the Woodbridge Township school system.

After high school, Melody began her career at RCA in Woodbridge, New Jersey, before transitioning to AT&T in Piscataway, New Jersey, where she spent the bulk of her professional life. Starting out as an information operator, her hard work and dedication led to a remarkable 25-year career with the company, culminating in her retirement as a Clerical Supervisor in 1990 after serving as a role model and mentor to many young professionals.

On August 21, 1967, Melody married Norman Hannibal, beginning their lifelong journey together of nearly 60 years. Together, they raised three children and built a home defined by love. An amazing hostess, Melody poured her heart into large family gatherings, ensuring that every holiday and occasion was a joyous celebration. She enjoyed traveling with the family, was an avid reader of fiction and history. Above all, Melody enjoyed spending time with her family, to whom she gave the unconditional love that served as the foundation of their home.

Following her retirement from AT&T, she and Norman relocated to Albany, Georgia in 1994. It was during these years that she pursued her lifelong passion for learning, attending Albany State College and graduating with top honors in her class with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1998. Melody also devoted much of her time to extensive genealogy research, tracing both the Hart (maternal) and Morris (paternal) family lines to the early 1800’s.

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Above all, Melody enjoyed spending time with her family, to whom she gave the unconditional love that served as the foundation of their home.

Melody passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted husband and children. Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband, Norman; her children, Brian (and spouse, Charlene Graff), Scott, and Shonette (and spouse, Xerxes Grant); her grandson, Noble Grant; her sister, Barbara (and spouse, Troy George); her loving sister-in-laws, Priscilla Crumel (and spouse Jimmie) and Aurora Gruber; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Charles Morris; her sisters, Saundra and Connie; and her brothers, Charlie, Ricky, Leslie, and Jay.

Oh, quiet place, where my mother lies,
Beneath the peaceful summer skies.
She rests from all her care and pain,
Safe from the winter’s wind and rain.
Her gentle soul has found its peace,
Where earthly sorrows fade and cease. 

Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mlkmeorialchapels.com.