Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hoffer announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Melissa Hoffer to Benjamin Barnett of Knoxville. The future bridegroom is the son of Don Barnett and Ms. Patricia Snyder, both of Athens.

The couple will exchange vows on Dec. 31 in Savannah, Ga.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Webb of Mexico Beach, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffer of Akron, Ohio, and the late Mr. Butch Stowers. She is the sister of Caroline Smith, Stefanie Hoffer and Allison Hoffer.

Miss Hoffer is a graduate of Cleveland High School and received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is employed as a special education teacher at her alma mater.

The future bridegroom is the grandson of Mrs. Lillie Barnett of Athens, the late J.B. Barnett and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Slater.

Mr. Barnett is a graduate of McMinn County High School and received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee. He is an associate advisor in wealth management at First Tennessee Bank in Knoxville.