Melanie Marie Robinson Skeeters

Melanie Marie Robinson Skeeters, 88, of Douglass Hills, KY, passed away in Louisville, KY on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, due to complications related to recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer. She was born in Middlesboro, KY on July 30, 1937, to Edwin Gary Robinson and Goldie Marie Givens Robinson.

Melanie was a member of Christ Church United Methodist. She studied the Bible daily and declared Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Melanie had very fond memories of growing up in Middlesboro. She attended Middlesboro High School where she was active in the Middlesboro High School Band, as well as the Middlesboro High School Choir. She also enjoyed playing clarinet in her father’s band, “Eddie Robinson and his Royal Americans”. In 1951, Melanie was honored to be invited to perform in the University of Kentucky All-Star Band.

In the early 50’s, Melanie’s parents relocated their family to Louisville, KY. This allowed Melanie the unique opportunity to be part of history by being in the first female class to attend the previously all male Louisville Male High School. During her time at Louisville Male High School, Melanie joined The Louisville Male and Girls High School Band and Drill Corps. The band and drill corps were thrilled to be chosen to represent Kentucky in President Eisenhower’s Inaugural Parade in Washington DC on January 20,1953. The drill corps girls called themselves the Rockettes, and in 1999, Melanie organized a 1952 Rockettes reunion so the group could preserve its place in history.

Melanie finished her last two years of high school at Southern High School where she joined the Southern High School Symphonic Band. She had the honor of being part of the Louisville All-Star Band on December 4th, 1953. Melanie graduated from Southern High School in 1955.

After graduation, Melanie was employed by Charles R. Long Jr. Co. & LG&E. She also participated in the 1956 Ladies Bowling League.

On June 8, 1957, Melanie married her first husband, high school sweetheart, Donald Edward Daugherty. They moved to Nyack, NY so that Don could attend Nyack Missionary College. They welcomed their son, Timothy, in November of 1958.

On February 4th, 1961, Melanie married Carl Brent Skeeters of Louisville, KY. They welcomed their daughter, Robin, in January of 1962. They were married until 1979.

Melanie graduated from the University of Louisville in 1970 with an AA in Home Economics, a Minor in French, and a Certification in Interior Design.

Throughout the years, Melanie had the opportunity to work in several occupations. Among her occupations, she was a substitute teacher as well as an after-school arts & crafts teacher. She also worked as a real estate agent, which gave her the opportunity to work for HUD in Nashville. While living in the Nashville area, she also worked for Vanderbilt University. After she moved back to Louisville, she enjoyed working as a regional tour guide.

Melanie volunteered in many organizations. She was associated with Actors Theater, President of Green Leaves Rocks and Roses Garden Club, Captain of the Louisville Fund Drive, Member of Speed Museum, Friends of the Opera, and River Road Country Club. She received Ford Motor Company’s Service Award for 1965. She also actively participated in the Citizens Metropolitan Planning Council.

Later in life in 1998, when Melanie learned that she was going to be a grandmother, she was ecstatic. Getting a second grandchild in 2001 was equally exciting for her. She loved her grandchildren so very much.

Melanie was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Gary Robinson and her mother Goldie Marie Givens Robinson.

Melanie is survived by son, Timothy Daugherty; daughter, Robin Skeeters Mitchell (Tom); grandson, Benjamin Mitchell; granddaughter, Erica Mitchell; brother, Gary Robinson (Gwen); brother, Michael Robinson; sister, Teri Hensen (Bill); former husbands, Carl Skeeters and Don Daugherty; several nieces; and several great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 PM to 8 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026; and from 10:30 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday, January 13th at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243. A celebration of Melanie's life will be held there at 12 PM on Tuesday, with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

To honor the memory of Melanie, donations made to Red Bird Mission of Beverly, KY, (Serving the Appalachia Kentucky Community Since 1921) would be greatly appreciated. https://www.redbirdky.org/

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