of Jonesboro, AR
September 16, 2023
Melinda Ann Pepper, painlessly passed away at St. Bernards Medical Center with family beside her on Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, at the age of 66, after a long battle with interstitial lung disease. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bennie Pepper; her children, Jessica Ray (Chris), Jeremy Martin (Sheri), and Jennifer Collins (Barry); stepchildren, Candice Burnside (Gary) and Heather Pepper; her grandchildren, Douglass, Grant, Ethan, Brooke, Aiden, Fenton, Morgan, Eva Jo, Ariel, and Valerie; the families of her siblings, John Terrence Shea, and Maureen Shea; friends and community.
Melinda was born in Detroit, Michigan to Gloria, a researcher, and Benjamin Shea, an automotive engineer. From a young age, Melinda was a keen horsewoman, and upon high school graduation, pursued higher education in equestrian science.
Her equine passion led her to establish a horse farm in Arkansas at a young age which, in time, was enjoyed by her children. Her love of animals extended to her beloved dogs, bountiful chickens, exotic birds, and Nigerian Dwarf goats, which she and Bennie raised for many years.
Melinda's greatest dedication was to her family. In addition to the strong households that Melinda and Bennie established in Jonesboro and later in Paragould, her family enjoyed outdoor leisure activities at their properties in Spring River and Highland.
Melinda applied her curiosity to education and personal projects. When her children were older, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with the distinction of summa cum laude. On top of her career as a Technical Support Specialist, Melinda was a skilled watercolorist, prolific quilter, and avid reader. Sharing Bible passages with friends and family brought her great joy.
Melinda and her family were active at The Rock of NEA church.
The celebration of Melinda's remarkable life will be Saturday, November 4, 2023, at The Rock of NEA, 4318 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, beginning at 10:00 am. All family and friends are invited to attend and share in her memories.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Bernards Medical Center, as well as the personnel at the Arkansas Continued Care Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Rock of NEA.
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19 Condolence(s)
Shane Metz
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Melinda and I lost touch over the years, but I will always remember our lunches together, inside jokes, and her quick, hilarious wit. My fondest memory of her was being welcomed into her home and drinking Limoncello learning about all her beloved pets. She was a kind, compassion, loving, and friendly person whose love of continued learning still inspires me all today. We should all be so lucky to be surrounded by loving family in the end. I extend my most deepest sympathies to Bennie and family! She will be dearly missed.
Diane M Buford
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Mo so sorry 4 your loss death hits hard. In life we learn to cope with the loss never stop grieving. My prayers are with you and the family the strength and love.
Barbara Burnside
Friday, October 27, 2023
I was so sorry to hear about Melinda my heart goes out to you all
Stacy Burnett
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Oh Bennie I am so sorry to her this sad news. Prayers for you and all of your family
Heather Heath
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Loss is so hard, but she was a very Loved woman, and will be sorely missed by all. May God bless you, and keep you.
Joetta Henry
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Sending prayers for your family and loved ones in this difficult time. Your neighbors, Tim and Joetta Henry
Jennifer Collins
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
I wish you were here, Mom. I love you…
David And Eudola Pepper
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Love â¤ï¸ and prayers for everyone.
Jessica Ray
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
I love you, Mom! It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later.
Patty Shea
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Melinda. She was my cousin and childhood friend. We had many fun times as children. We often gathered together, 25 first cousins total, and ran and played in our aunts yard as we visited our grandmother. God bless Melinda, her children, husband and family.
Carl and Angelia Heringer
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Prayers for the family!
Eddie and Lynn Williams
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Our hearts and our prayers are with you during this time of deep loss and sorrow.
Robert Ussery
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
May memories and family and friends give you some joy and rest in these times.
Mazen & Linda Khalil
Monday, September 25, 2023
We are very sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace to be with you all ðŸ™
Mae Rowton
Monday, September 25, 2023
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God wrap his everlasting arms around you all and give you peace and comfort during this time.ðŸ™ðŸ»
Charlotte Hemphill
Monday, September 25, 2023
Dear Bennie and family, please accept my deepest and most sincere, heartfelt condolences. I will keep you all in my heart, thoughts and prayers. May God hold you extra close to His heart and grant you mercies, peace, and comfort. May His face shine upon you. Sincerely, Charlotte Hemphill
Richie & Krista Lacefield
Monday, September 25, 2023
Prayers and condolences.
Tony Mike and Kathy Tidwell
Monday, September 25, 2023
Prayers for her family- I know she will be dearly missed!
Charlie & Karen Hammett
Monday, September 25, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Heaven just gets sweeter all the time. God bless you all.