Melissa Ann Tamer

Miss Melissa Ann Tamer, age 54, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was born on May 26, 1970 in Middlesboro, KY. 

Melissa was a one-of-a-kind individual who never met a stranger. She lived her entire life in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She was an active member of St. Julian Catholic Church and was a Sunday staple, either altar serving or sitting in the third row on the left. She enjoyed going to “the Wakin Store,” where she kept everyone in line. Melissa was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, and everyone knew her beloved Wildcat call. She loved listening to Reba and Alabama’s greatest hits. She loved treating those she loved to lunch at Wendy’s or Peanuts, but would “forget” her wallet at home when it came time to pay the check. Melissa loved being outside and enjoyed a good turkey sandwich for lunch, and a cold pop on the screened porch. She was a very animated young lady, and you never had to wonder how she felt about someone or something.

Melissa is preceded in death and reunited with her loving parents, Richard and Georgianna Tamer.

She is survived by her brother, Dick Tamer, who was her best buddy. Melissa’s other siblings include Herbert Tamer, David (Marilyn) Tamer, Michael (Carrie) Tamer, Celeste (George) Duzane, and Renee (Keith) Kinser. She was the world’s best aunt to 15 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her Godparents, Cecilia Wakin and Richard Isaac. Melissa leaves behind an incredible care team who loved her like their own, Amy Martin, Sandra Lloyd, Traci Combs, Wendy Hackworth, and Ashley Hollingsworth. The family would like to extend special thanks to these caregivers and the Middlesboro A.R.H. Staff for the compassion and care they have provided over the years.

The family of Miss Melissa Ann Tamer will receive friends on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Julian Catholic Church, 118 East Chester Avenue, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. with Father Prashanth Lobo, Celebrant.

At the conclusion of the Mass service, family and friends will travel in procession to the Middlesboro Cemetery, Middlesboro, KY, where interment services will be held. Pallbearers will be Melissa’s nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Julian Catholic Church, the National Down Syndrome Association, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Melissa Ann Tamer are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.