Melissa "Missy" Jean Mooney

Melissa “Missy” Jean (Young) Mooney passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Galveston, Texas. The sunrise that day was beautiful, just like Missy.

Missy was born on June 5, 1969, in Denton, Texas, to Evelyn (Cox) Hayes. She grew up in Era, Texas, and attended Era High School, where she proudly served as a cheerleader, loved playing sports, and was honored as the FFA Sweetheart. Missy had a spirited personality and often kept her mama on her toes—especially when she heard her full name, “Melissa Jean,” called out. Still, Evelyn could never stay upset with her for long.

Missy shared an unbreakable bond with her younger brother, Jeff. They were the best of friends, and she would do anything for him. Even when Jeff was working across the world, he always thought of Missy, bringing her meaningful gifts from his travels. More than anything, she cherished the thought behind them, because she was always thinking of him, too.

The greatest joy of Missy’s life was her family—especially her three boys, Brad, Ryan, and Wyatt. She loved spending time with them, whether it was hunting and fishing in North Texas or heading to the shore after moving to the coast. She would often say, “Why are you sitting around here? Let’s go down to the beach!” Even when her boys were away, they longed to be with her. A simple call describing the calm, blue waters was all it took to bring them driving down to see their mama.

While becoming a mother brought her immense happiness, becoming a “Mimi” brought her even more. She proudly called herself a “cool Mimi,” getting on the floor to play, or splashing around in the ocean with her grandchildren for hours. When they weren’t with her, she found comfort in the many family photos that filled her home—a reflection of how deeply she valued those she loved.

In 2016, Missy and her husband, Marty, moved to Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island, Texas. There, she created a warm and welcoming home where everyone felt like family. With her bright smile and positive outlook, Missy had a gift for making friends wherever she went.

Missy was preceded in death by her grandparents and father-in-law. She is survived by her parents, Mitchell and Evelyn Hayes; her husband, Marty Mooney; her sons, Brad and Emily Hennigan, Ryan Hennigan and Jody Fisher Hennigan, and Wyatt Mooney; her cherished grandchildren, Cooper Dean, Charlotte, Finley, Cooper Knox, Hunter, and Farrah; her brother, Jeff and Charlotte Young; her bonus sister, Barbara and Tony Erlandson; her mother-in-law, Linda Mooney, sister-in-law, Shanda and Derick DeWitt and many nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson and the Hospice Care Team. Your care and kindness toward our mother will never be forgotten.