Melissa Ann Cozart Blackmon, age 48, a resident of the Emory Gap community of Harriman, Tennessee passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026. She was born August 21, 1977, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Melissa was a member of the Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Harriman. She was a Quality Control Specialist with UNUM in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Melissa loved to cook (something she was Great at), watch “I.D.” T.V., and take care of her dog, Ahsoka. Most of all Melissa was a Loving Mother who did everything she could for her children, family, dog, and community and always gave a listening ear and sound advice. She was preceded in death by her father, Rue Eskridge, Jr.; mother, Alma Ruth Cozart; sister, Chelsea Brown; and brothers, Avery Larue Eskridge, and Michael Goins.

Survivors include:

Sons: Derrick A. Myers (Janna Seats)

Josh L. Blackmon (Meagan)

Special Friends: Joshua Farler

Elder Leander Blackmon

Siblings: Chris Eskridge

Abdulla Goins

Tony Goins

Leona Bazel

Amber Eskridge Pinnell

Rue Eskridge III

Special Uncles: Howard Ewing

Jerry Eskridge

Rickey Cozart

And a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Other Relatives, and Friends.

The family will receive friends Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Evans Mortuary. Funeral services will follow on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary with Elder Leander Blackmon officiating. Committal services and interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, Tennessee. Evans Mortuary of Rockwood, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Melissa Ann Cozart Blackmon.