Melba Wadell Bailey

Melba Louise Waddell Bailey died September 15, 2009, at her home in Newport, Tn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and India Waddell of Bristol, Virginia and step mother Hattie Huff McMahan Waddell. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Reid Hamilton Bailey; daughter and son in law, Brenda (Bailey) and Dr. Robert Kisabeth, Charleston, S.C., son Marty Bailey, Newport; grandchildren-Meredith (Bailey) and Dr. Travis Fawver, Knoxville; Malerie Bailey, Orlando, Fl; Weston Bailey, Knoxville; Warrant Officer John and Katherine (Kisabeth) Bockmann, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska; Kimberly Kisabeth, Durham,NC; special friend of the entire family, Diane Lyles; loyal caregiver, Shawnee Driskill, and many supportive friends and extended family. Melba enjoyed a diverse work history that included: DJ-ing a ladies' morning radio show on WGRV in Greeneville,TN; being a Western Union operator in both Black Mountain and Montreat, NC; serving as secretary at Cocke County High School, as well as being a secretary for McSween & McSween and at Merchant's and Planter's Bank in Newport. She was employed as a substitute teacher in the Cocke County School District, and as a medical transcriptionist for Cocke County Memorial Hospital. For the last several years, Melba enjoyed her role of being a retired housewife, active mother, and doting grandmother. Melba was a loyal member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport, having served as past president of the Women of the Church. Her great love for her grandchildren was evident as she and Reid hosted many swim parties for boys and girls of the church through the years. Mrs. Bailey was actively involved in many organizations during the course of her life and had served in many capacities, including being a past president of TN District I of the General Federation of Womens' Clubs, a past president Tenassee Woman's Club of Claiborne County, and past president of the Twentieth Century Club of Newport. In addition, Melba belonged to the William Cocke Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and was a member of many historical societies, including the Smoky Mountain Historical Society and the Scottish Society of Knoxville. She was a part of First Families of Tennessee. Melba especially enjoyed her weekly gathering with "The Chicken N Biscuit Club". An avid interest in genealogy led to many hours on the computer and much travel devoted to researching this passionate hobby. Another favorite pastime was camping with her husband, Reid, and several members of East Tennessee Airstream Group. A memorial celebration will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Newport on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 6 p.m., with a reception to follow at the church. Those wishing to honor Melba's memory may do so by making a donation to the Parlor Renovation Fund at First United Methodist Church , 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign the guest register on-line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com Manes Funeral Home is in charge.

Melba Wadell Bailey

February 14, 1928 - September 15, 2009