Melissa Taylor

Melissa Lee Taylor, 67, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully in her home on July 28, 2024. Born on September 23, 1956, in Hamilton, OH, Melissa was known for her beautiful, thick, dark hair, quick-witted humor, and charismatic personality. She never knew a stranger and was always curious about the world around her.

During her high school years, Melissa was a proud member of the West Carrollton Pirates drill team. Her beauty and grace led her to winning first runner-up in the Mrs. Maryland pageant. A successful business owner with a natural knack for sales, Melissa had a profound impact on everyone she met.

Melissa had a deep love for family. She was the beloved daughter of the late George “Lowell” and Mavis Seale. She is survived by her sister, Debby (Bill) Fox, and predeceased by her brothers Steve (Kim) Seale and Chris (Ramona) Seale.

Melissa’s true, life-long passion was being a mother. She was devoted to her four surviving children whom she cared for intensely and deeply loved: Joel Pittman, Amanda (Jonathan) Mann, Arianna (Brandon) Britton, and Alexa George. She was also a cherished grandmother to Mavis James-Claire Mann (4 years old) and Bennett Theodore Britton (1 year old).

Melissa lovingly embraced her step-children: Andie McKellar and Christian (Stefanie) Taylor. She also adored her step-grandsons, Maclan and Boden McKellar.

Melissa's doting husband, Dudley Taylor, was her companion and support throughout her life.

An avid traveler, Melissa had a zest for discovering diverse cuisines from other cultures. Melissa, herself, was the ultimate culinary champion of lasagna, pot roast, and her mouthwatering mashed potatoes. Melissa’s epicurean enthusiasm and fondness of hosting brought joy to all her family and friends.

Melissa had a strong affection for music. She started playing the piano as a young girl and continued throughout her life. Melissa loved attending live concerts, playing air guitar, and listening to any tune featuring her favorite instrument, the saxophone.

Melissa's warmth, charm, and fervor for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 PM, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 2:30 PM, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held directly after the burial at Bella, Italian Restaurant, 121 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801.

To watch the service via Livestream go to  https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=c7be39f1-5cb0-4476-bdc2-22f0dfb2016e   

Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.