Melissa G. (Hightower) Whaley-age 62 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord, Friday, June 24, 2016 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Revival Vision Church of God, Maynardville. She earned a Masters Degree from Lincoln Memorial University in English and foreign language and she had recently taught at L.M.U.

Preceded in death by parents, Ted and Mary Hightower.

Survivors: daughters, Amanda Whaley, Knoxville; Angela Sweet, Jessica Sweet of Sharps Chapel. Four grandchildren, Elise Eastridge, Emma Mae Eastridge, Megan and Emily. Former husband and best friend, Ray Whaley of Powell.

The family will receive friends 5-7 P.M. Thursday, June 30, 2016 with funeral service to follow at 7 P.M. Thursday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Pastor Bryan Wheble officiating. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.