Melinda Dean Johnson's Obituary
After a courageous battle against an unrelenting illness, Melinda Dean Johnson, age 83, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at home in Longview, Texas. Melinda was born on October 9, 1942 in Eastland, Texas and moved to Athens, Texas when her father was transferred.
Melinda was preceded in death by her beloved son, Matthew, her father Charles Dean, her mother, Elizabeth Day Dean McGuffey, and her stepfather, R.M. McGuffey, Jr. She is survived by her husband Terry, her brother Mike, nephews David Dean, Scott Dean, and Andy Dean, her sister-in-law Rhonda Pitts, and niece Mindy Baker.
Melinda was a graduate of East Texas State University (Commerce) and held a Masters degree from SMU. She had a 33-year career as a teacher, first at Athens Junior High School and then at Hallsville Junior High School.
Melinda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Longview and a member of the Precepts II Lifegroups. She was very active with the Texas Shakespeare Festival and served on the Guild Board of Directors for several years. She was active in the PEO women’s organization, the Longview Women’s Forum and served as a teacher for the Bible Study Fellowship for several years.
A Visitation for Melinda will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00am in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 1:30pm at Deadwood Cemetery at Deadwood, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made in Mrs. Johnson’s honor to the charity of your choice. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at https://www.raderfh.com.
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