Lillie Melissie Murphy Melson was born October 24, 1936 in Hardin County to the late Albert and Maudie Rainey Murphy. She was united in marriage to Lonzo Melson in August of 1956. Mr. Melson preceded her in death August 23, 2018. This union was blessed with four children, James, Melissa, Rita, and Judy. Mrs. Melson devoted her life to making a home for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One of her greatest pleasures in life was baby sitting when she was able. She loved working in her flower beds and in the garden. When the garden came in, she would be found in the kitchen, canning the vegetables she had grown. She had a great passion for yard sales enjoying both going to them and having them herself. Mrs. Melson departed this life on Thursday, April 16, 2026 in Columbia, TN making her stay in this life some 89 years, 5 months, and 23 days.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, James Melson (Pam); two sons-in-law, Ernie Moon; Stanley Holt all of Waynesboro, TN; nine grandchildren, Jamie Burns (Cierra); Alana Burlison; Tyler Burns (Shelia); Brooke Moon (Kyle); Breanna Moon; Jason Holt (Kiara); Lisa Odell; Shania Harris (Elisabeth); Jessie Melson (Shelby); she is also survived by 14 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband of 62 years she is preceded in death by three daughters, Melissa Walker; Rita Moon; and Judy Holt; one grandson Brad Burns; her brother in law, Willie Moser; and 6 siblings.
Visitation with the Melson family will be on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and again on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM all at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel.
Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Jason Love officiating. Burial will follow in Shields Cemetery
