Melinda and her sister Jill were among my favorite friends in high school. Both girls were bright and creative. 
I was so impressed when Melinda joined the Peace Corps and spent time in Ethiopia.
She made a difference in the world. 

Ann McMillan Harms 

Melinda graduated from Union in the spring of 1965, I think, when I became a freshman that fall.
My closeness to her was through her mom & dad, Ruth & Jack who were among the best friends of my mom & dad, Jean & Harry Johnsey. I was always hearing from my mother stories, tales, adventures of the Peace Corp, of her sister Jill’s life and art in NYC, and of Tommy’s athletics and coaching acolades. I am sad to hear of Melinda’s passing.....but I richly treasure how special the Russell family was to my own.

I I am so sad to hear this. Melinda and I were very close friends during high school, attending West Jackson Baptist Church together, singing in the choir. She had a lovely voice and sang in our wedding. Melinda and I spent hours listening to all the 1950s-60s folk music and contemplating a world unlike our own. We were going to go out and save the world! Melinda went on to fulfill that dream by joining the Peace Corps. One of my treasures is a letter she wrote to Mike and me from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when we were living in Japan. I just reread that letter from 1966 and will treasure it always as I treasure the memory of my friend Melinda.

I have such fond memories of Melinda from Jackson High & from Union University!  I thought she was so sweet and so pretty!!  My condolences to all the family!  God bless!

Dear Family  of Melinda, 

Before Covid , I had been able to visit some with Melinda at Maplewood. We enjoyed reminiscing about our times at Jackson High School - where we were classmates. 
And talking about books we were reading. 

On one occasion another classmate Donna Carradine Baldridge  and I so enjoyed taking Melinda out  for  lunch.  And remembering our times, friends and teachers at JHS . 

Please know you have my heartfelt sympathy in the  loss of your lovely Melinda. . 

George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home

Melinda Russell

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Melinda Ruth Russell

22 March, 1943 – 29 March, 2022

George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home

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