Melissa Ann Knighten

Melissa Ann Knighten

May 19, 1981 – October 26, 2025

Melissa Ann Knighten, age 44, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025. Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, followed by a memorial service that will begin at 3:00pm, at Sardis Heard Funeral Home. Family will greet friends for visitation prior to the service. Flowers are accepted and contributions can be made to Central Georgia Hospice and ASPCA Animal Protection.

Melissa was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose heart overflowed with love and laughter. Born to Raymond Joseph Tanner Sr. and Pamela Hanson Tanner (Mike), she grew up with a deep sense of family and compassion that shaped every part of her life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jarrod Matthew Knighten; her father, Raymond Joseph Tanner Sr.; her mother, Pamela Hanson Tanner (Mike); her brother, Raymond Joseph Tanner Jr., (Kelli); her sister Kimberly (John); her step-sister Jan Hosea (Lane); her step-brother Karl Everidge Jr; her mother-in-law Joan G. Knighten; and her sister-in-law Kelly Jeffords (Nick).

Melissa’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her children — William Caleb Embry, Gabrielle Taylor Embry and Jaxson Lake Tanner — as well as her stepchildren Austin Alan Knighten (and daughter-in-law Kaylan Knighten) and Jessica Lyn Knighten (Cole). Her heart was also full for her step-grandchildren Josie, Elizabeth, Teagan, and River, and her beloved nephews Tyler, Dakota, Holden, Maddox, and Clint, and niece Camryn. Each of them brought light and laughter to her life.

Melissa was preceded in death by her niece Angel Faith; her stepmother Phyllis Colwell Tanner; her maternal grandparents G.W. and Bessie Hanson; her paternal grandparents Hillman B. and Josie Tanner; and her uncles Daniel Alan Hanson Sr., Calvin Gunthgerberg, Buddy Tanner, and Eddie Tanner.

Melissa will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express your condolences.

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia 31216, has charge of the arrangements.