Melissa Shelton Carnes, age 87, passed away August 20, 2017 at Covenant Health in Tazewell, Tennessee.

She was born June 17, 1930 in Knox County, KY to the late George and Ester Asher Shelton. She was married to the late Herald Carnes with whom they shared 56 years of marriage before his passing.

Mrs. Carnes had a fulfilling life which included travel, quilting and sewing which allowed her to meet and make many new friends throughout her life. She was a small business owner which she shared her love of fashion and design. She continued that love at Belk Corporation where she retired after many years. She was a member of Binghamtown Baptist Church and enjoyed watching their Gateway Gospel Hour. She treasured her time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved son, Herald Carnes Jr., her brothers Herold, George, James Nevil, Charles, and Babe Ruth Shelton.

She is survived by the following members of her family; son Barry (Diane) Carnes, Middlesboro, daughters Melissa (Sam) Mayes, Middlesboro, and Rebecca (Lewis) Wilder, Miracle, KY.

Grandchildren Carrie Carnes, Corey Carnes, Middlesboro, Jami (Kris) England, Forge Ridge, TN., Laura (Wayne) Gambrel, Middlesboro, Jessie (Andy) Parker, Speedwell, TN., Shelly Mayes and fiancé Brandt Fuqua, Johnson City, TN., Lewis (Dee) Wilder, Bimble, KY., CWO2 Matthew (Desiray) Wilder, Washington D.C., Nathaniel (Robin) Wilder, Miracle, KY.

Great grandchildren Lainey and Macy England, Kiley, Kenna, Kara, and Luke Gambrel, Mattie and Emma Parker, Emily, Sarah, Lewis Carl, Destiny, Mariah, Amelia, Brianna, Natalie, and Evan Wilder.

Sister Fay Powell, Spring Valley, California. Daughter-in-law Rosemary Carnes, Middlesboro. Sister-in-law Betty Baker, Flat Lick, KY., Irene (Gary) Collins, Indiana, Hazel Shelton, Michigan, and Loretta Shelton, Sharps Chapel, TN. Brother-in-law Tom Ray Carnes, Dewitt, KY. Special Nephew Rodney Myklak, Portland, OR.

And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. William Boyd Bingham and Mr. Barry Carnes presiding. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro, KY. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is entrusted with all arrangements.

This announcement is a courtesy of the Hopper Funeral Home.