Melissa Tenera Eby, a loving and kind soul, passed away on January 18, 2026, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Born on February 14, 1975, in Nashville, Tennessee, Melissa was known for her vibrant personality and her genuine love for those around her.

In her professional life, Melissa cherished her career as a bartender, where she revelled in the joy of meeting new people and building connections. Her warmth and humor drew others to her, making each encounter memorable.

Melissa took immense pride in her role as a MeMe, embracing every opportunity to create joyful memories with her grandbabies. She loved dancing with them and enjoyed the simple pleasures of doing their hair and makeup. One of her favorite pastimes was taking her daughter Kaitlyn on special girl dates, which included pampering sessions getting their nails done together and ventures to the tattoo parlor.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Phillip Trace Hodges and Kaitlyn Eby, who will carry forward her spirit of kindness and love. Melissa’s legacy also includes her cherished grandchildren: Maddilyn Hodges, Laila Eby, Kara Speer, Tyler Stagner, and Carter James Hodges.

She is survived by her parents, Alan and Robin Hampton, and her siblings, Robert Hampton, Amanda (Jeremy) Berry, Shawn (Kelley) Hampton, Jessica Hampton, Micha (Briana) Hampton, and Dakota Hampton. The love she shared extends to her nieces and nephews, including Dylan Hampton, Destiny Hampton, Seth Berry, Traylon Berry, Laila Hampton, Frank Hampton, Connor Hampton, and a host of extended family members.

Melissa is preceded in death by her son, Carter Hodges, and grandson, Owen Schutt, both of whom she loved dearly along with her precious nephew, Robert Joseph Hampton.

A visitation will be held at Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Springfield, Tennessee, on January 29, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM, and again on January 30, 2026, from 9 AM to 11 AM. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place on January 30, 2026, starting at 11 AM with ____________officiating, concluding with a burial ceremony at 12 PM with _____________________________________serving as pallbearers.

Melissa Tenera Eby will be deeply missed, but her loving spirit and joyful memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.