Williamsburg Resident Celebrates a Life Rich in Family and Love

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Marliss Melton is being appreciated for the love she brings to the people around her.

Melton is a teacher, writer, family member, and friend who is treasured by her students, readers, parents, children and boyfriend.

“Her beauty and grace surpass anyone else I’ve ever met,” said her beau Tom Valentino. “She is so caring and compassionate, and she brings love to everyone around her.”

A resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, Melton serves the community as a Spanish teacher at Walsingham Academy. She is also an award-winning novelist, authoring romance fiction stories about Navy SEALs and the women who love them.

“She is a terrific writer and teacher,” said Valentino. “But she’s also a great girlfriend, mother and daughter.”

Melton has both of her nonagenarian parents living nearby. She treasures all the moments she can soak up with her mother and father, as they share routines and spend time together.

The same love that Melton shows to her parents extends to her children Conrad, Chauncey and Grace.

Conrad practices law in the Washington, D.C. area. Chauncey owns and operates his own home-contracting business. Grace is pursuing her calling as an herbal healer.

As Valentino has gotten to know Melton and her family, he has become more and more impressed.

“She’s so awesome,” said Valentino. “I want to do right by her every day.”

Valentino lives in Richmond, about an hour drive from Melton. The couple met online in September 2024.

After a weekend they had together that fall in Rehoboth, Valentino knew that Melton was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

The two enjoy watching Netflix together and walking with Melton’s dog, Bronco, a 12-year-old Husky-Blue Heeler mix.

When they have time, Melton and Valentino enjoy vacationing together, like going to Harper’s Ferry last year.

As their relationship continues to grow, Valentino knows he will come to love Melton more and more.

“She is such a loving person, and she deserves everything,” Valentino said. “I appreciate her so much and look forward to making many memories together.”