On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Melanie Caroline Brantley Dykes started her day with grandbabies she treasured and went to a job she thoroughly loved and ended her day in the presence of her Savior. Melanie was born February 24, 1971 to parents Larry and Linda and born again in a Thursday night revival meeting in 1997. She was a lifelong resident of the Big Ridge Community and was a pillar and beacon to her hometown, often advocating and serving those who could not always serve themselves. She was a faithful and loved member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church, a mother, sister, daughter and the title she treasured the most “Grammy”. Her greatest joy was seeing her grandbabies come running to embrace her and for her to hold them in her arms. We hold fast with comfort knowing that the same way they ran to her, she ran towards Jesus.

Melanie is preceded in death by grandparents, Cliff and Mary Brantley and Doc and Dorothy Smith; uncles, Buddy Brantley, Willie Evans, Wayne Smith; special brother-in-law, Gary Chandler; and special father-in-law, John D. Dykes. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Judah White; son and daughter-in-law, Cody and Caitlynn Dykes; grandchildren, John Parker Dykes, Jackson Dykes and Ellison White; father and stepmother, Larry and Wanda Brantley; mother and stepfather, Linda and Wayne Ball; brother, Joe and wife Jessica; stepbrothers, David and Jeff Ball and Lee Hutchison; stepsister, Lesley Sexton; special aunts, Robin Cox and Darlene Evans; special friend, Joan Ray; and all her Senior Center friends.

The family will receive friends 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The service to follow with Reverend Jimmy Davidson and Reverend Cody Dykes officiating. Family and friends will meet 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 23, 2025 at Trinity to proceed to Skaggs Cemetery for a 12:00 p.m. graveside service. Serving as pallbearers, Jason Bailey, Randy Turner, Christian Chandler, John Capps, Anthony Copeland, Joe Brantley, Judah White and Braden Copeland; honorary pallbearers, Ted Greene, Steve Ailor, Keith Brantley, Paul Hill, Freddie Simmons and Charles Cook. Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, has the honor of serving the family of Melanie Dykes. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net