Melanie Dobbs Gibbs, 62, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on August 11, 2025.
Born in Cookeville, Tn., on April 30, 1963, she was the eldest daughter of the late William Parks Dobbs, Jr. and Diane Matthews Dobbs, and granddaughter of William Parks Dobbs, Sr. and Alma Peterson Dobbs, and James Wade Matthews and Geraldine Adams Matthews.
Melanie is survived by her son, Daniel (Diane) Dobbs; her sisters, Moira (Will) Smith and Dauna (Bill) Higney; her three beloved grandchildren; several cherished nieces and nephews; and her devoted significant other, Greg Acuff, who lovingly cared for her during the last years of her life.
She grew up in East Ridge, attending McBrien Elementary School, where she began a lifelong love of learning. As a young girl, she played softball with teams known as the Pixies and the Dudes. During her years at East Ridge Junior High and East Ridge High School, she excelled in Spanish and developed a love for music through chorus, madrigals, and band. Later in life, her love of Spanish and communication inspired her to teach ESL classes, helping others find their voice in a new language.
Melanie accepted Christ at a young age, a faith that remained central to her life and shaped the way she loved, cared for, and served others. She worked in a variety of roles over the years, but found her most meaningful and longest-lasting work as a Hamilton County 911 Dispatcher.
She was gifted with creativity, enjoying many forms of crafting, especially yarn arts—a skill passed down from her grandmother. Her love for animals was evident in the way she cared for her pets, each one holding a special place in her heart.
At the end of her earthly journey, Melanie provided the gift of continued life through organ and tissue donation. Her family expresses deep gratitude to the Erlanger Hospital MICU team for their exceptional care, and to Tennessee Donor Services for their role in ensuring Melanie’s legacy of generosity lives on.