Melinda Lee Jenkins Lynch (Mom) age 73, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at University of Tennessee Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. She was a loving and devoted mother to Laura Lee Ford Slagle and "Mom" to so many others that were lucky enough to be touched by her magic. She was a devoted partner to Sam Palmer. Mom worked at the Knox County Sheriff's Office for 41 years. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Acacia May #24 as well as a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alice Jenkins; husband, Roger Lynch; son-in-law, Mike Slagle; grandparents, Ben and Maude Uhlman; uncle and aunt, David and Betty Uhlman.
She is survived by daughter, Laura Slagle and Fiancé, Kelly Hance; life long partner, Sam Palmer; granddaughter, Kirsten Butler; great granddaughter, Emma Kay; best friend, Kathy Lawson; step-daughter and Family, Stacy Trentham (Scott) Samantha and Jake; adopted daughters, Christina Stockwell and Rosemary Carroll; cousins, Angie and Walt Petersen, Vicki and John Waring, David and Lisa Uhlman; puppies, Odie and Sadie.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm- 7 pm Wednesday, October 20, 2021 with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 7 pm in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy. Rev. Denny Ford officiating. Family and friends will meet at 12 noon on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Berry Funeral Home and proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for a 1 PM graveside service. Pallbearers will be Butch Bryant, Tony Carnes, Kelly Hance, Jimmy "JJ" Jones, Tom "Spanky" Spangler and Scott Trentham. Honorary Pallbearers will be Men and Women of the Knox County Sheriff's Department both current and retired.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Lynch family.