Obituary – Melissa Payne Chambers
Friday, July 12, 2024

Melissa Payne Chambers, a beloved resident of Tazewell, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024 at the age of 71. Born on January 6, 1953, Melissa Chambers, was a cherished member of the community, known for her warm heart, unwavering love for her family, and her deep passion for horses and East Tennessee.
Melissa spent her life in Tazewell, where she cultivated a life filled with love in her marriage to Jay B Chambers for 43 years; family, and cherished traditions. In her professional life, Melissa worked for 40+ years as a Registered Dietitian; caring for patients in hospital and assisted living environments. She had a special place in her heart for her grandkids, who were the light of her life. She spent countless hours sharing incredible stories, offering wisdom, and creating memories with them that will be treasured forever.
Her love for horses was a defining aspect of her life. Whether she was riding, grooming, or simply spending time at the stables, Melissa found joy and solace in the company of her family farm. Her knowledge and passion for horses were evident to all who knew her, and she often shared this love with her grandchildren, teaching them the values of care and compassion.
As a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Melissa was a dedicated Tennessee Volunteers fan. Game days in the fall & winter were reserved for cheering on the beloved Lady Vols basketball team, and she took great pride in her team's triumphs and championships. Her enthusiasm for the Lady Vol program was infectious, and her home was always a gathering place for family and friends to watch the games together.
Melissa’s ability to hold friends and keep their loyal friendships was unparalleled. Laughter was a defining quality as she had the ability to entertain and hold a room captive with a mix of wit and Southern storytelling. Her ability to carry a room with her laughter was known by all whom she loved and was a defining aspect of her ability to just have fun. She cherished holiday entertaining especially around Christmas and Easter; the gatherings would be full of a festive atmosphere, incredible meals and stories that will continue for the generations.
She is survived by her daughter Ashley Davis Stinson (Doug Stinson) and her two grandchildren, (Nolan Payne Stinson and Haley Rose Stinson), her sister Martha Payne Neff (Steve Neff), niece Amanda Johnston (Jay Johnston), great-niece Reese Johnston, and preceded in death by her husband Jay B Chambers, parents Robert and Edith Payne and brother Steven Payne. She also leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
In the months after Jay’s passing; her spirits were lifted by family, old friends Pete and Rosalind Smith, Martha Yoakum, Rena Shockley & new friends like Renata Price. All together, they were peas in a pod, sharing new adventures and living life to the fullest. Their escapades brought laughter and joy; proving friendship knows no bounds and fun has no expiration date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of New Tazewell or the Kerbela Shriners of East Tennessee in her name; two organizations Melissa cared for deeply.
Melissa will forever be remembered for her kind spirit, her deep love for her family, and her passions that brought so much richness and joy to her life. May she rest in peace.
“Life's a party, and I'm here for the dance! Cheers to a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and endless joy!”
A celebration of her wonderful life and gathering to honor Melissa will be announced at a later date.
More Stories |
-
The Mid-South Horse Show Association held an impromptu meeting to discuss our rescheduled show on 9/27/25 after the earlier weather postponement.
Read More
-
Charity Diane Haynes Latham, age 52, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Charity was born April 13, 1973 in Greer, South Carolina, beloved daughter of Broadus Ted Haynes and Susan Marie Belue Haynes.
Read More
-
The East Tennessee Fall Classic, to be held October 16–18 in White Pine, Tennessee, has announced the availability of (2) “Pick Your Class” sponsorships.
Read More
-
Carol C. Canerday was born November 2, 1931, and passed away August 30, 2025, at the age of 93. She was born in Morgan City, Louisiana, to her parents, Julius B. and Alice C. Chauvin.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The last night of The Celebration had come. With spectators and exhibitors all in their finest attire, the stands crowded with people waiting to watch the crowning of the 2025 World Grand Champion. Prior to the usual Saturday night performance, David and Theresa Williams carried on with their tradition of sponsoring the annual Stick Horse class, free to all willing participants aged seven and under.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Friday night marks the second world grand championship night at The Celebration. It also has come to be known as Military and First Responder Appreciation Night. The festivities began with the flag being presented by White Diamond Dollar and Vicki Self, posting in the south turn. Then, Tim Brooks of the Christian Ministries Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, said the invocation, while Jody McBrayer of Franklin sang the national anthem.
Read More
-
Read More
-
We are writing to update you on changes to our Horse Protection program. Following a recent order from the District Court in North Texas, APHIS is making changes to the expectations for Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) who affiliate with horse shows and the managers of horse shows, sales, and events:
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The first of the world grand championship nights had arrived. With it, those monumental moments that a whole year of preparation led up to had finally come. The gate opened at precisely 7PM for White Diamond Dollar and Vicki Self to come in the ring and present the colors. Austin Harden of the Wartrace Church of Christ gave the invocation, and Leah Boyd of Murfreesboro sang the national anthem. Then, Mark Farrar invited the first of 16 classes into the ring
Read More
-
Read More
|