Melissa Gail Anderson, age 66, passed away on July 15, 2026, at TriStar Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Born on September 7, 1959, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Martha (Martin) and Harlan Webster.

Melissa lived life with a vibrant, adventurous spirit and a kind heart that touched everyone she met. She was best known as the "green thumb" of the family, finding immense joy in nurturing her garden and plants. Her professional life was defined by her dedication to helping others, serving for over 20 years at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit organization close to her heart. Above all, Melissa loved her family fiercely and cherished every moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gary Anderson; her brother, Ronald Webster; and her nephew, Paul McDonald.

Melissa’s legacy of love lives on through her surviving family, including her children, Chandra (Jerry) Brewster and Jason (Jennifer) Combs; and her sisters, Charlotte (Tom) McDonald and Phyllis (Floyd) Coon. She is also survived by six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, located at 711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Cremation Society of Tennessee is honored to serve the Anderson family.  Condolences may be shared at www.cremationsocietyoftn.com