Melanie Dawn Hoback

Melanie Dawn Hoback, 54, of Tazewell, VA passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on February 11, 1971, at Mattie Williams Hospital in Richlands, VA to Cathy Sharron Lane and the late Raymond Larry Hoback.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her sister Angela Denise Hoback Wess of Tazewell, VA, maternal grandparents Emory Robert “Jack” and Virtie Corennia Lane of North Tazewell, VA, and paternal grandparents William Virgil Hoback and Margaret Wilson Hoback Shrader of Tazewell, VA.

She is survived by her lifelong companion and soulmate Robert Lee “Blue” Dennis; daughter Rachel McKenzie Dennis and fur-baby “Mel” of the home; son Thaddeus Colby Hoback-Ball and Kimberly Gautier of Pulaski, VA; mother Cathy Sharron Lane and Carl Ray “Pete” Miller of Blountville, TN; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Melanie was lifelong resident of Tazewell, VA graduating from Tazewell High School in 1989. She attended Southwest Virginia Community College pursuing a degree in Social Work. She was a member of Cedar Bluff Community Church of Cedar Bluff, VA and was baptized at an early age. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” Proverbs 15:13 KJV This describes Melanie perfectly. She always had a smile on her face and a keen sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She fought valiantly after her diagnosis and throughout her treatment. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved hard and was a loyal friend for life. She had a kindred spirit with animals, loved nature and fall was her favorite season. She loved to sing, read, listen to music, crosswords and Jeopardy.

The family would like to thank all of Melanie’s doctors, nurses, and providers for the excellent care given to her and especially the ones at Wake Forest.  We would also like to thank all of those that have prayed for her.

Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home of Kernersville, NC is serving the family.

It was her wish to be cremated, and for her ashes to be spread at several locations of her choosing. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.