Melanie Sue Butler Smith Gill, a woman of kindness and gentleness, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 60, in Kingsport, TN. Melanie was born on January 11, 1964, in Lawrenceburg, TN, to the late Byron and Thelma Butler.

Melanie’s journey through life was marked by her devotion to her family, her passion for her career, and her unwavering spirit of service. She was predeceased by her parents, her cherished husband Boyde Gill, her daughter Natasha Nicole Smith, and her siblings Richard Butler, H. Fred Butler, and Lou Ann Butler. Her memory will be forever cherished by her son Bryan Smith, her siblings Amber Butler, Issac Butler, Phillip Butler, Danny Butler, and Jimmy Butler, and her adored nieces and nephews Jessica, Michael, Dylan Smotherman, April Maxwell, Rosemary Wilson, and J.J. Butler, as well as a host of great-nieces and nephews who will continue to be inspired by her legacy. She is also survived by the father of her loving son William Edward Smith.

Melanie’s academic achievements were marked by her earning an associate’s degree in social services and her bachelor’s degree in nursing, two fields that she was profoundly passionate about. She dedicated her professional life to providing end-of-life hospice care, where she touched the lives of many with her compassionate nature and her ability to bring comfort and peace to those in their final moments. Her colleagues and those she cared for will remember her as the sweetest woman, always ready to lend a helping hand, and always putting the needs of others before her own.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Melanie loved puzzles and cross-stitching, activities that reflected her patience, attention to detail, and love for creating beauty in the world. Her hands were rarely still, as she was either skillfully completing a puzzle or meticulously crafting her next cross-stitch masterpiece. These hobbies brought her immense joy and provided a peaceful retreat from her demanding work.

Those who knew Melanie would unanimously agree that the words loving, kind, and gentle perfectly describe who she was, from the tender care she provided to her patients to the nurturing love she bestowed upon her family. She had the remarkable ability to make each person she encountered feel valued and loved, and her presence was a comforting embrace to those fortunate enough to be in her life.

Celebration of Life service will be announced once they become available. Adair Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.