Melissa Beth Edwards

Melissa Beth Edwards, age 58, of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and a longtime deputy with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, September 16, 2025.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Gary Bailey officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on May 22, 1967, in Williamson County, Tennessee, Melissa was the daughter of the late Russell Wayne Bailey and the late Linda Faye McKeel Barker. She was a 1985 graduate of Franklin High School and began her working years in factory employment before discovering her true calling in law enforcement. Melissa proudly served with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department for 18 ½ years, retiring in August of 2024. She was deeply devoted to her career and to serving her community.

Melissa enjoyed crafting and latch hooking and was known for her warm, outgoing personality. She had a toughness about her yet loved deeply and never met a stranger. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She was a member of House of Prayer Baptist Church in Columbia.

She is survived by her daughter, Cassandra Baker of Spring Hill, brothers, Gary (Gwen) Bailey of Culleoka, Tracy (Vickie) Barker of Williamson County, Michael Bailey of Columbia, Glenn (Vinissa) Bailey of Columbia, Billy Jack Barker of Williamson County, grandchildren, Ahlaeah Carlton and Matthew Baker and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step father, Billy Barker.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Howell, Chris Bailey, Brandon Bailey, Austin Barker, Jack Barker, and Chance Shrum. Honorary pallbearers will include her coworkers at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department.