Melanie Rene Phillips

Melanie Rene Phillips 59, of Hartford passed away January 30th 2026 at her home in Newport surrounded by her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Iva Lee Rathbone, brothers Wiley and Justin Rathbone. She is survived by her sister Charla Rathbone, and her sons Charles and Cory Phillips both of Florida, special friend Chester Rollins, nieces Cathy Lee, Chelsey, Maddison, Skylar and Carolina. Nephews Teddy, Hunter, and Gracin Rathbone Melanie was known by friends and family as “Aunt Pooh” an endearment her father Charlie called her or “Mel.” Born and raised in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Hartford TN. Graduated class of ’84 at Cosby High school. She moved to Valparaiso Florida in 1990 and later married Rick Phillips in 1991. They had 2 boys Charles and Cory. After Charles’ high school graduation she moved back to the mountains to help take care of her mother and father Iva lee and Charlie. She spent her last years loving the life of the Smokey Mountains, camping and spending time with family and friends. Malanie took pride in making people smile throughout her life. She worked as a gas station convenience store clerk, providing service with a friendly face to anyone walking through the door and treated them like family. Hobbies included camping and anything that had to do with some type of water hole and the outdoors. She loved going to the local farmers markets and flea markets for the latest new crops and nick nacks. She loved spending time outdoors and sharing those experience with family and friends. She was a huge fan of TN Vols and blue grass music. She was especially fond of her friends that were musically talented. She was loved by many of her community and loved them dearly back. She enjoyed sports events of her sons Cory and Charles. She was the biggest fan hooping and hollering at rugby games. Melanie loved her friends and family fiercely and spending her time in the mountains of Grassy Fork. She will be missed greatly by everyone. The family would like to extend their heart felt gratitude to Lisa, and Bethany from Getiva Health Care as they took excellent care of Melanie in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Grassy Fork volunteer fire department. Her father was a founding member. The fire department is a gathering spot for the community and is dedicated to protecting lives and property. Directions for donations can be found at their website, grassyforkfire.org. Telephone number is (423) 487-5222. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Saturday, February 7, 2026, with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm in Manes Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jerry Sutton officiating. Burial will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Frisee-Rathbone Cemetery. Family and friends may sign online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home, Newport, TN.

Melanie Rene Phillips

April 5, 1966 - January 30, 2026