March 23, 1961 — Aug. 7, 2014

Melinda Marie Williams, 53, of Lexington, Kentucky was sent to us from God on March 23, 1961, in Niles, to her parents Earnestine Lacy (Williams) of Dowagiac, Michigan, and Eugene Williams, Jr. of South Bend, Indiana. After a courageous battle with lung cancer, the Lord released Melinda from her earthly vessel at the Lexington VA Hospital with her family by her side on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014.

Melinda was raised in Dowagiac and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1979. Soon after graduation Melinda chose to serve our country and joined the United States Army from 1979 to 1982. Upon leaving the military as a SP/E4, she was honorably discharged as a Unites States Veteran and became a proud mom of two daughters, Charmaine and Allister.

Melinda continued her education in Columbus, Georgia at Meadows Business College with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science. She also received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in Atlanta, Georgia.

Melinda was a faithful member of Family Worship Center Church in Lexington, Kentucky under the pastorate of Pastor Don and Mary Ann Adkins where she accepted the call of salvation.

Melinda will always be remembered as a strong and loving person who enjoyed the quietness of the mountains, the peaceful sounds of the ocean and many other outdoor activities. Melinda’s smile would light up any room she was in and because of her big heart and loving spirit. She was loved by many.

Melinda leaves to cherish her memories, her parents, Samuel (daddy) and Earnestine Lacy of Dowagiac and Eugene (biological father) and Betty Williams, Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; one daughter, Charmaine Marie Mincey of Lexington, Kentucky; one grandson, Bryson Rontea-James Mincey, of Lexington, Kentucky; two sisters, Emily Marie (Carter) Phillips, of Columbus, GA and Laura Morgan, of Jackson, Michigan; three brothers, Burnell Williams of South Bend, Indiana, Eugene Williams, III of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Kem Lavell (Tawanna) Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana; and other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death, one daughter Allister Marie Mincey, her maternal grandparents Charlie and Earnestine Williams, her paternal grandparents Luke and Laura Lacy and Eugene and Ruby Williams, Sr.; one great niece, Malaya Janay Coleman and several other beloved family members.

Funeral Service for Melinda will be at 2 p.m. at New Beginnings Ministries, 1256 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120 on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, with Pastor Raymond and Venita Massey officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior from 1 to 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, Michigan.