Melanie Gail Hiett

Melanie Gail Conner Hiett, a cherished wife, mother, “MeeMaw,” and talented musician, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. She was 82 years old. Born on January 20, 1943, to Norwood and Thelma Conner, Gail grew up in a home filled with Faith, Love, and music. Her passion for music shaped much of her life and legacy. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and taught piano for 43 years, both at home and at Geraldine School. She Lovingly taught generations of students, instilling not just skill, but also a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and Joy of music. Many would say, though, that those lessons were more than just learning about notes … they were learning about life. Her piano bench became a haven for heartfelt conversations, gentle guidance, and the comfort of a listening ear. On March 31, 1962, Gail married the Love of her life and her best friend, James Lamar Hiett. They shared 63 years of marriage – a lifetime built on Love, Faith, and steadfast commitment. Together, they had five children – Melanie, Christopher, Keith, Franklin, and Sherrie – and created a home filled with Love. Through every season of life, they worked side by side – sacrificing, providing, and pouring themselves into their family and their Faith. Their partnership was a true example of Love in action, rooted in Grace and strengthened by God. Gail faithfully led music not only within the walls of Geraldine First United Methodist Church, but also on countless Emmaus Walks, where her songs became sacred threads in the Spiritual journeys of so many. Her gift for music was both a Ministry and a Calling – offering comfort, Joy, and reverence wherever she played. Her signature song, Holy Ground, became a powerful reflection of the space she created through her music – where people felt the presence of God and the Peace of being deeply known. It was often said, only half-jokingly, that between Gail and her mother – both beloved piano teachers – they played for every wedding and funeral on Sand Mountain. Their music marked the most meaningful moments of life for generations, becoming a lasting part of the community’s collective memory. Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Norwood and Thelma Conner; her brother, Paul Cleburne Conner, her infant son, Christopher, and her daughter, Melanie; and she now joins them in eternal rest. She is survived by her husband, Lamar, her sons, Keith (Debbie) and Franklin, her daughter, Sherrie (Danielle), her grandchildren, Chris (Katy), Nicole, Cody (Savannah), Lindsey, and Will, and her great grandchildren, Conner, Cam, Claire, Lucie, and Lucas, and her sister-in-law, Dixie Conner. She is also lovingly remembered by her son-in-law, Paul, who remained a devoted part of her life long after the passing of her daughter, Melanie. In recent years, Teresa and her granddaughter, Sofia, became a beautiful extension of that bond. In many ways, she has been quietly writing her obituary for years – through every life she touched, every student she encouraged, every hymn she played, and every soul she made feel seen, heard, and deeply Loved. Her legacy isn't written in headlines, but in the hearts of those who knew her – where her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering Faith will live on. She leaves behind a world noticeably quieter without her music and hearts that will miss her more than words can express. She lived every day with Heaven in mind and now – Praise God – her Faith is whole. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” She will have a Celebration of Life Service at Liberty Baptist Church at Painter Monday, May 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. Friends can visit from 10:30 until service time at the church. She will be laid to rest at the Geraldine Cemetery. Bro. Chris Andrews and Dr. Robin Scott will be officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Albertville Memorial Chapel.

Melanie Gail Hiett

January 20, 1943 - May 7, 2025