Melissa Jane Wilbur Morgan

Melissa Jane Wilbur Morgan, 41, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born on June 13, 1984, in Binghamton, New York, Melissa was the daughter of Dan and Darleen Wilbur of Hallstead, Pennsylvania. Melissa built a life centered on family, service, compassion, and dedication to others.

Melissa was the beloved wife of James Morgan III, whom she married on June 5, 2010, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Together they shared a loving marriage and raised their daughters, Daniella and Elianna, who were the center of her world.

Melissa was a 2002 graduate of Blue Ridge High School, where she participated in soccer, softball, cheerleading, and color guard. Growing up, Melissa was deeply involved in Girl Scouts of the USA, earning both the Silver Award and Gold Award. She maintained a lifelong connection to Girl Scouts and was a devoted supporter of Camp Archbald, where she volunteered through her college years.

Melissa attended Shippensburg University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2006 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2008. During her time at the university, she became a proud member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., a sisterhood she remained deeply connected to throughout her life. Melissa also proudly served on the alumni board at Shippensburg University, continuing her commitment to the university community long after graduation.

Melissa devoted her professional life to public service and advocacy. She served as Assistant State Director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses from 2021 to 2026. Prior to that, she worked for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors from 2008 to 2021 as a Legislative and Policy Analyst, where she earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the Commonwealth.

Melissa will be remembered for her compassion, intelligence, quick wit, and fierce devotion to her family. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed, supported, and understood, and she carried herself with grace and strength through every stage of life. She deeply valued the friendships formed throughout her life and career, and her love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those around her will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband and daughters, Melissa is survived by her parents, Dan and Darleen Wilbur; her brother, Jonathan Wilbur (Tara); her grandmother, Norma Kelly; her aunts Doreen Tinklepaugh (Ken), Patti Golka, Jackie Robinson (Ken), Amber Kimble (Jim), Carole Ann Carey (Stuart), and Betty Cook; her uncles John Golka (Kim) and Jim Decker; her mother-in-law, Patricia Fox (Charles); her father-in-law, James Morgan II (Deborah); her sister-in-law, Chelsea Lee (Neil); her nieces Olivia Gibson, Kori Gibson, and Guinevere Wilbur; along with many loving cousins, dear friends, and professional colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leroy Wilbur, Amber Wilbur, and Bob Kelly; her aunt Mary Lou Decker; and her uncles Tom Golka and Daniel Cook.

A memorial service celebrating Melissa’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at New Life Community Church, 64 E. North Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:30 p.m. A private ceremony conducted by Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. will take place prior to visitation.

The family would also like to recognize and thank the compassionate staff of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, especially her oncologist, Theresa Lee, for the exceptional care, support, and compassion shown to Melissa throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Melissa’s memory to METAvivor (https://metavivor.org/give/donate-now/), 7780 Elmwood Ave., Suite 130, Middleton, WI 53562, an organization near and dear to her heart.