Melissa Lynn Henning Camp was a beautiful soul who returned to heaven at a very young age. Better known for being the first wife of singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp, Melissa touched several lives with her journey. She was diagnosed with cancer at an early age and left for the heavenly abode shortly after marrying the love of her life. Read along to know more.
Who was Melissa Lynn Henning Camp?
Melissa Lynn Henning Camp was the first wife of Jeremy Camp, a contemporary Christian singer/songwriter. She was religious and had a strong belief in Jesus Christ. Melissa was very close to God, and it could be seen by the way she treated everybody around her.
Moreover, Melissa lived a modest life and was adored by the people of her community. She kept everybody close to her, especially Jesus. In fact, her last words also revolved around her belief and love for Christ.
Early Life and Education
Born on 7 October 1979 in South Carolina, Melissa was a devoted Christian. Moreover, she spent most of her life serving the people in her community. Even though Melissa’s journey in this world was short-lived, she created a huge impact on people’s lives.
There is no credible source for Melissa Lynn Henning Camp’s education history. However, according to sources, Melissa attended a local school in her hometown. Additionally, we also have no information regarding her higher education.
Melissa Camp Family
Melissa’s family consists of her mother, Janette Henning, who was an ardent follower of the Christ Born out Of The Jesus movement. Additionally, she has two sisters, Megan Henning and Heather Dalton Henning.
While there is no credible information regarding Megan, Heather still continues to share Melissa Lynn Henning Camp’s story and spread the Lord’s words. She has been an educator for more than twenty years and has served as a principal, school consultant, teacher, and adjunct professor.
Currently, she lives in San Diego, California, and homeschools children. Heather’s family consists of her husband and three daughters.
While there’s no information regarding Melissa’s father, her mother wrote a book in her memory by the name of Melissa, If One Life.
All About Jeremy Camp
Now that we know a bit about Melissa Lynn Henning Camp let’s check the details about Jeremy Camp’s life.
Well, Jeremy is a well-known American singer and songwriter; his genres include Contemporary Christian music and Christian rock.
Jeremy was born in Lafayette, Indiana. His father was a pastor; besides, he also taught Jeremy how to play the guitar. After earning an associate degree in theology, he became an ordained minister.
Post that, Jeremy became a part of the worship team; he led services across Southern California.
Talking about his music career, Jeremy’s released his first album in 2000. Moreover, he kept on releasing new songs/albums back to back which contributed to him getting several awards and accolades. It includes Grammy and AMA nominations. Apart from that, Camp has won 5 GMA Dove Awards.
Additionally, he also wrote his first book; we shall talk about it later in the article.
How did Jeremy and Melissa Lynn Henning Camp’s Love Story Start?
Jeremy and Melissa Lynn Henning Camp met in 1999 at a bible study. While Jeremy was leading the congregation, Melissa was busy worshipping the Lord with both her hands in the air.
After noticing Melissa, Jeremy was completely drawn toward her. They felt an instant connection and, soon enough, began dating each other. However, Melissa was scared of getting distracted from God and his plan; thus, the couple decided to separate.
When Did Melissa and Jeremy Get Married?
Soon after separating from Jeremy, Melissa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since the couple remained friends after separating, Jeremy could not stop himself from visiting her in the hospital when he heard the news.
It was during this time that Jeremy and Melissa Lynn Henning Camp rekindled their romance. Jeremy knew Melissa’s condition could get worse anytime and did not want to waste even a second. Therefore, within months of diagnosis, Jeremy proposed to her and wished to take the next step.
The couple exchanged vows in October 2002 in the presence of their close friends and family. While the doctors announced that Melissa was cancer-free before one month of her wedding, what happened next will break your heart!
Melissa Lynn Henning Camp Cause of Death
Just one month before the wedding, Melissa’s cancer disappeared; it felt like God’s miracle. The couple finally took their relationship to the next stage and got married. While we do not know the exact venue, we know that only the couple’s closest friends and family attended it.
Soon after the wedding, Melissa Lynn Henning Camp and her husband, Jeremy, went on their honeymoon. Everything went smoothly; however, fate had other plans, and upon the couple’s return, Melissa started feeling sick.
It induced the newly-wed couple to see the doctor, who gave them the most heartbreaking news of their lives! Well, Melissa’s cancer had returned and spread to her liver and other body parts. In addition to that, she was given only a couple of weeks to live.
Jeremy was devastated but ensured to stay by the love of his life till the end.
How did Melissa Spend Her Last Days?
After returning from their honeymoon, Melissa and Jeremy received the most devastating news of their lives. Melissa’s cancer had not only returned, but it had also spread to other parts of her body, giving her just a few weeks to live.
However, Melissa Lynn Henning Camp was truly God’s child and spent her last days singing and praising Him. She believed that if one person got closer to Jesus because of her disease, her suffering would be worth it.
Melissa breathed her last on 5 February 2001.
Did Jeremy Camp and Melissa have a Child?
Jeremy and Melissa Lynn Henning Camp got married in October 2000. Their marriage lasted for about three months when Melissa succumbed to cancer. At the time of her death, she was only twenty-one years old. On the other hand, Jeremy was 23.
The couple did not have any children.
I Still Believe: True Story or Fiction?
Jeremy Camp is a firm believer in Jesus Christ. Apart from a wonderful singing career, he has also written a book, I Still Believe, which was released in 2011.
It revolves around Jeremy’s childhood, the death of his first wife, Melissa Lynn Henning Camp, and his belief in God. Therefore, it is a true story.
The book was later turned into a movie by the same name. It was directed by the Erwin brothers, co-starring KJ Apa and Britt Robertson.
Did Jeremy Camp Get Married Again?
Yes, Jeremy Camp got married to Adrienne Liesching, who is the former frontwoman for The Benjamin Gate. The couple tied the knot on 15 December 2003 and are proud parents to three children.
Adrienne is a doting wife and has been by Jeremy’s side through thick and thin. She supported her husband throughout the making of I Still Believe. Additionally, she is also very close to Melissa’s sister, Heather.
Melissa Lynn Henning Camp Website and Social Media Presence
Melissa Lynn Henning Camp will always be remembered for her faith in Jesus Christ and love for the people around her. To commemorate her life, Melissa’s family came up with a website that showcases this brave girl’s journey through pictures, videos, and her journal.
In addition to that, Melissa has an Instagram account run by her sister, Heather. She usually uploads quotes and Melissa’s pictures to make sure that people remember her.
Melissa Lyn Henning Camp led a grateful life even after battling ovarian cancer at a young age. She battled the disease with utmost courage and inspired the people around her. Melissa may have left this world too soon, but her legacy will continue to be a driving force for those who know her.
Melissa and Jeremy’s story is an epitome of true love and reminds us of another famous celebrity couple, Catherine and Alan Ritchson.
