Melody Christine Hutchinson Cone

Melody Christine Hutchinson “Chris” Cone joined her Lord and Savior on March 13, 2026, passing peacefully at home in Estill, South Carolina. Born June 18, 1946, in San Diego, California, Chris was the daughter of the late John Hutchinson and Jane Wrigley Kenimer and was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Joseph Kenimer.

Chris is survived by her beloved husband, George Edward “Ed” Cone of Estill, South Carolina; three daughters, Heather Cone of Greenville, South Carolina, Christy Cone Grant of Rock Ridge, North Carolina, and Dorothy Cone Guscio (Will) of Bluffton, South Carolina; and three grandchildren, Andrew Grant (Grayson), John Edward “Jes” Schwedler, and Campbell Guscio.

Her childhood was spent in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated from Dykes High School before attending Young Harris Junior College. When she transferred to Georgia Southern University, she met the love of her life, Ed Cone.

Early in their marriage, Chris and Ed began building their life together in Sylvania, Georgia, where Ed coached football and taught history and Chris taught kindergarten. They started their family there before returning to Ed’s hometown of Estill, South Carolina – a small, close-knit community very different from the city of Atlanta where Chris had been raised, but a place she quickly grew to love and would proudly call home for the next 51 years. It was there she raised three daughters, welcomed grandchildren, served others, and built a lifetime of friendships and memories within the community surrounding them.

Chris devoted much of her life to caring for and encouraging others, always placing the needs of those around her before her own and extending kindness to everyone she met. She worked as a kindergarten teacher and as a receptionist at Patrick Henry Academy, a place deeply woven into the Cone family’s life where Ed coached football for many years and their three daughters would graduate high school. Chris later retired from Lowcountry Healthcare System after serving for 19 years as a receptionist and patient referral specialist.

The firm foundation of Chris’ life was her Christian faith. She had a deeply personal relationship with Jesus Christ that sustained her through every season and shaped the way she loved others. She was a devoted member of Lawtonville Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School teacher and led youth programs such as Mission Friends and Girls in Action. Her faith was not confined to Sunday mornings; it was evident in the way she selflessly served others with compassion and encouragement.

Her commitment to service extended beyond her family and church into her community as well. She was named “Member of the Year” as a member of the Sylvania Junior Women’s Club. Later, she became deeply involved with the American Cancer Society, serving for many years as a volunteer leader and dedicating countless hours to Relay for Life and the fight against cancer. Chris also faithfully served for nearly twenty years in a local Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) Circle, where she helped support missions work through prayer, service, and discipleship.

Chris loved sharing her passion for creativity, music, and, of course, her beloved Clemson Tigers with others. In her earlier years she enjoyed singing and playing guitar, and she never lost her appreciation for music of all kinds. She was also deeply involved in the social and cultural life of her community, cherishing many years of friendship and fellowship through the Estill Reading Club, Estill Music Club, and her beloved bridge group. These gatherings reflected the things she valued most: music, literature, laughter, and time spent with dear friends.

Those who knew Chris often spoke first of her selflessness and kindness. She treated every person with genuine warmth and respect. Beneath her gentle spirit was a remarkable strength, one clearly rooted in her deep faith. When life presented hardships and challenges that would have surely overwhelmed others, Chris faced them with grace, courage, and an unwavering reliance on God.

More than anything, Chris cherished her dear family. She was deeply devoted to her husband of nearly 60 years, Ed, whom she faithfully supported throughout his life as a farmer and coach. Known and respected throughout the community as “Coach Cone,” Ed had no greater supporter than Chris, who stood beside him through every season of life.

Together Chris and Ed raised three daughters who were the pride of her heart and the center of her world. Her three grandchildren brought her immeasurable happiness. She treasured watching them grow into the young men and women they are today. Their lives of service to others and their character reflect the example of faith, humility, and love they learned from their grandparents.
Graveside services will be directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home at Lawtonville Cemetery on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Contributions may be made to:
Lawtonville Cemetery Association
c/o Lawtonville Baptist Church
460 4th Street, Estill, SC, 29918

The words of her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:6, shaped the way she lived and the way she loved others - with compassion, kindness, gratitude, and a steady trust in God’s goodness through all circumstances.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~ Philippians 4:6