Melinda Joyce Craig-Radden

Her celebration service and resting place will be at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, in Colton, CA.

Melinda was born on April 27, 1965, in Los Angeles, California to Emily and Alfred Ray Craig. Melinda was one of five siblings including Yolanda Craig, June Craig, Barbara Craig, Eddie Ray Craig, and Sandra Craig.

Early on in Melinda’s adulthood, she worked as a Manager at a Pizzeria in Los Angeles where she met the love of her life, Dwaine Radden Sr in 1987. They left Los Angeles in search of a better life for their family and landed in San Bernardino, California. It was there where they raised 5 incredible children and stayed united for 37 years until her passing. She was not afraid of hard work and hit the ground running

working at several local businesses including Tai Cho Real Estate, Trendsetter Fashion Boutique, as well as Meadowbrook Park and Towers, where she managed one of the largest apartment complexes in San Bernardino, CA. Melinda’s hard work elevated her in the company where she became the first African-American woman to receive “Manager of the Year” from SK Management. Her passion for children inspired her to create Bright Future Childcare in San Bernardino, CA in 2010. She also helped run the family business Action Appliance Repair. Later on, her love for football lead her to become the General Manager for their non-profit organization, the California Raiders Football Team, where she was affectionately known as ‘Mama Radden’.

Melinda had many interests including football, interior design, and playing tennis; she especially loved going to Vegas to play slot machines. But above all, Melinda was most passionate about being a wife and mother. She gave birth to five children, whom she would love and care for with all her heart. She was a super-mom who went out of her way to make sure her family had fun and celebrated together often. She loved hosting graduations, birthday parties, and holidays for her family to come together in laughter and joy. She created an atmosphere that felt like love anytime she was with her family. Melinda had a joke for every moment. She was very quick-witted and was known for her many funny sayings. Some of these included “Sitting on a Stomp” and “Crazy as Kuda Reese”. While quirky, they would always make sense in context. She also had the most timely life advice. She would say, “We teach people how to treat us,” a message she made sure to share with those close to her. She passed down a legacy of wisdom, style, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her husband, Dwaine Sr., and five children, Terrance, Virginia, Dwaine Jr, Derrick, and DeShawn, and three grandchildren, Tamia Conrad, Tamera Conrad, and Kuestin Davis. She is also survived by her siblings, Eddie Ray Craig, Alfred ‘June’ Craig, Barbara Craig, and Loretta.