MELANIE O’NEAL CAVENAUGH, loving mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. A native of Blenheim, South Carolina, Melanie and her family had resided in Kingwood, Texas, for the past 38 years. Preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Newton Cavenaugh, and her mother, Annie Hayes O’Neal, she is survived by her children, son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Elizabeth Cavenaugh of Houston, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Kathryn and Andrew Knauer of Greenville, South Carolina; daughter and son-in-law Dr. Rachel Cavenaugh and Brandon Smith; daughter and fiancé Caroline Cavenaugh and Stuart Woodard, of Kingwood, Texas; and grandchildren Daniel Brett Knauer and James Alexander Knauer of Greenville, South Carolina. She is also survived by her father, Thomas Arthur O’Neal, Jr., her brother Thomas Arthur O’Neal, III, and her sister Donna O’Neal, all of Blenheim, South Carolina.

A proud South Carolinian born in 1952, Melanie was valedictorian of Latta High School, an honors graduate of Furman University and Northwestern University, where she received a Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance and was named recipient of the Frederik Kramer Opera Award. She was a student of renowned teachers Bingham L. Vick Jr., Elizabeth Fischer and Elena Nikolaidi. She appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Fox River Valley Symphony, the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Symphony of North Houston, Kingwood Chorale, and numerous recitals in the Greater Houston Area. The Oregon Bach Festival selected her as one of eight singers to perform for celebrated mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade.

Melanie maintained a celebrated voice studio in the Kingwood-Humble area from 1977 to the day she passed away, teaching and sharing the joy of music to scores of high school students, many of whom went on to pursue professional careers in music and the performing arts (including her children).

Melanie was adored by her family, friends, students, and, of course, her dogs. Her shoes will be impossible to fill. Following the untimely death of her husband, she selflessly devoted the next 19 years to her children and her students. Her courage, positive attitude, and grace in the face of adversity were an inspiration to those that she held so close.

Following a private burial service, her memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2015, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main Street, Houston. The Reverends Tommy Williams and Beth Chenault officiating. Pallbearers will be Skip Curry, John Hays, Taylor Kingman, Brandon Smith, Michael Hays, Andrew Knauer, Clint Wood, and Stuart Woodard. Kimberly Bollinger, Susan Howard, Ana Reyes and Marítza Canales will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial gifts may be sent to the St. Paul’s Choral Scholars, c/o St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the Melanie O’Neal Cavenaugh Voice Scholarship Fund, c/o Furman University, Greenville, S.C. 29613.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart.”
~ Helen Keller

“The Lord hears me when I speak…But he loves me when I sing.”
~ Anon.