Dr. Melisa (Lisa) Spradley

PORTSMOUTH – Dr. Melisa (Lisa) Spradley, 58, of Colonial Drive in Portsmouth, N.H., died on March 27, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 17, 1956, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Albert Spradley Jr. and Shelby (Caudle) Spradley of Wooster, Ohio.

Lisa attended her early school years in Greensboro, N.C. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas Woman’s University, and her Doctorate degree from Texas A&M University.

Lisa was a professor at Texas Christian University, Ohio Wesleyan University and Plymouth State University. She also held the position of Education Director at the Dallas Museum of Natural History. Lisa was a gifted and passionate educator who leaves a lasting impact on the thousands of students she encountered during her career.

She will be remembered for her love of science and nature, leading her students on international service trips, her famous Cajun catfish fries, and her color coordinated outfits.

In addition to her parents, Lisa is survived by her partner, Judy Arnold of Portsmouth, NH; her sister, Michelle Morrison, husband Bill and their son Taylor of Wooster, Ohio; her nephew Matthew Morrison of Medina, Ohio; her sister Starr Spradley of Austin, Texas; her niece Tiffany Rousell, husband Ryan and their children Britta and Bryson of Georgetown, Texas; her niece Amy Brown and son Noah of Carrollton, Texas; her goddaughter Jordan Coughlin of Athens, Ga.; her goddaughter Jerica Coughlin of San Antonio, Texas; and many friends in Dallas, Texas.

Donations in Lisa’s name may be made to Amy’s Treat www.amystreat.org and Beacon Hospice http://www.beaconhospice.com.

A Celebration of Lisa’s Life will be held in May in Ohio. Date and location to be announced at a later date.