Melody Jan Pirkey (Hayslip), 51, was born May 26, 1974, in Wichita Falls, Texas, and passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 27, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri at Saint Luke’s Hospital.
A resident of Highfill, Arkansas, Melody was preceded in death by her father, Weldon Hayslip. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Pirkey; her son, Cameron Pirkey; her mother, Carolyn Hayslip Ruff; her sisters, Pam Chupp and Linda Notley; her nieces and nephews and many extended family members. Melody attended Texarkana Community College and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She devoted her career to caring for others in long-term care and family practice. Her compassion and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
She and Gary attended Southern Baptist churches throughout their marriage, with Rock Creek Baptist Church holding a special place in their hearts. Melody trusted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of nine, and her faith remained steadfast throughout her life.
Melody loved the outdoors, sunshine, and God’s creation. She enjoyed swimming and snorkeling and treasured sharing those experiences with Cameron. She was young at heart, full of humor, and deeply devoted to her family.
In recent years, Melody bravely battled Danon disease. In 2019, she received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which sustained her heart for seven years. Throughout her journey, she remained a source of strength and encouragement to others, including her son during his heart transplant journey. Though her own transplant did not bring the outcome hoped for, her family rests in the comfort of her complete healing in Heaven.
A celebration of her life will be held March 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Rock Creek Baptist Church, 4341 FM 2149, Maud, Texas.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
