Melinda Carlock

Melinda Maxine Carlock was born in Longview, Texas on August 11, 1964. She left this earth on January 27, 2013. She will be missed by her family and the many friends she made during her lifetime. Melinda was special to so many and in so many ways. Down Syndrome the family was told after her birth. These words did not tell of the love she would bring. She was our cute child, our spunky child and always our spirited and strong willed child. For close friends and loved ones graveside services will be held to celebrate her life and homecoming at Rosewood Park Mausoleum in Longview Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 2 PM. Family visitation was held Tuesday evening from six to eight PM at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Melinda lived with her Mother, Mollie Edmonds most of her life. Anyone that went to Mollie's Barbershop, knew Melinda and knew you couldn't leave until she would outline your hand on paper, which you had to personally sign. Later she would move to Willand Group Home where she lived with others that were special and the same as her. She loved Willand and all of those that she met, but looked forward to her weekends with her mom "Mollie" at her birth home. After Mollie's death, her sister Judi moved into the home and continued the tradition of Melinda having two homes. Melinda has moved again but this time to her eternal home. She now joins her mother and those loved ones gone before. She brought the family closer as her death lingered on and her strength as she struggled was amazing to all. We all find comfort and peace as we know she is in heaven doing everything she always wanted to, plus so much more. Down Syndrome, these words we heard 48 years ago, did not prepare us for this special angel that brought so much to our lives. Melinda is survived by one brother, Bobby Humphrey and his wife Marilyn; of Longview, two sisters, Judi Reigel and husband Dean of Longview, Barbara Wilson and husband Jim of Lindale Texas and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Roxie McCoy, her mother, Mollie Edmonds, brother Buddy Humphrey, nephews Rocky Holder and Colton Crain. The family would like to thank Willand Inc. for the love and care they provided for Melinda. Thank you Deborah Champion "Shirley" for turning her life around. If desired, donations may be made to Margaret's House Beacon Hospice 5016 Gilmer Road, Longview, Texas 75604. They were our angels during Melinda's final three weeks on this earth.

Melinda Carlock

August 11, 1964 - January 27, 2013