Melanie Carmelite Carter Saulny

Melanie Carmelite Carter Saulny, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and pillar of the New Orleans community, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 6, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on October 1, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Melanie was the cherished daughter of the late Marguerite M. Decoud Carter and Clarence G. Carter Sr. She lived a life marked by strength, grace, and undeniable presence. She was known for her sassy spirit, vibrant personality, and being the true life of the party. A woman of courage and beauty, she carried herself with confidence, never taking any mess, while remaining deeply rooted in her love for Jesus Christ. Melanie dedicated over 30 years of her life to education, shaping and inspiring countless young minds across the New Orleans metropolitan area. She taught at Henry C. Schaumburg Elementary, Jean Gordon Elementary(where she was named Teacher of the Year), Lake Forest Montessori, Lake Forest Charter School (where she was instrumental in the reopening of the school post-Hurricane Katrina), and St. Leo the Great School. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom, as she also devoted her spare time to tutoring children and uplifting her community. In addition to her work in education, she spent approximately 10 years working as a sales representative and recruiter with Xerox Corporation, where her charisma and determination shone. She was a proud graduate of Xavier Preparatory High School (class of 1966), and matriculated to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, later completing her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of New Orleans. Melanie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, baking, creating floral arrangements, and pouring into others, but above all, she cherished her family and the many lives she touched. She was truly a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love within her community. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Marguerite M. Decoud Carter and Clarence G. Carter Sr.; her grandparents, Melanie C. Johnson (from whom she bears her middle name) and Joseph M. Decoud; and a host of aunts and uncles who now greet her in eternal peace. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Taryn Angela Carter; her devoted granddaughter, Tyler Alexis Carter; her cherished brother, Clarence George Carter Jr.; her beloved furry companion, Dax Saulny; and her bonus grandson, Merlin Louis Fleury III. She also leaves behind a host of loved ones including relatives, friends, former students, whose lives she profoundly impacted. Melanie Carmelite Carter Saulny’s legacy of love, faith, strength, and service will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Memorial Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue at 11:30 am. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am. Interment: Private. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook, share memories and condolences with the family.