of Jonesboro, AR

September 16, 2023

Melinda Ann Pepper, painlessly passed away at St. Bernards Medical Center with family beside her on Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, at the age of 66, after a long battle with interstitial lung disease. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bennie Pepper; her children, Jessica Ray (Chris), Jeremy Martin (Sheri), and Jennifer Collins (Barry); stepchildren, Candice Burnside (Gary) and Heather Pepper; her grandchildren, Douglass, Grant, Ethan, Brooke, Aiden, Fenton, Morgan, Eva Jo, Ariel, and Valerie; the families of her siblings, John Terrence Shea, and Maureen Shea; friends and community.

Melinda was born in Detroit, Michigan to Gloria, a researcher, and Benjamin Shea, an automotive engineer. From a young age, Melinda was a keen horsewoman, and upon high school graduation, pursued higher education in equestrian science.

Her equine passion led her to establish a horse farm in Arkansas at a young age which, in time, was enjoyed by her children. Her love of animals extended to her beloved dogs, bountiful chickens, exotic birds, and Nigerian Dwarf goats, which she and Bennie raised for many years.

Melinda's greatest dedication was to her family. In addition to the strong households that Melinda and Bennie established in Jonesboro and later in Paragould, her family enjoyed outdoor leisure activities at their properties in Spring River and Highland.

Melinda applied her curiosity to education and personal projects. When her children were older, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with the distinction of summa cum laude. On top of her career as a Technical Support Specialist, Melinda was a skilled watercolorist, prolific quilter, and avid reader. Sharing Bible passages with friends and family brought her great joy.

Melinda and her family were active at The Rock of NEA church.

The celebration of Melinda's remarkable life will be Saturday, November 4, 2023, at The Rock of NEA, 4318 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, beginning at 10:00 am. All family and friends are invited to attend and share in her memories.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Bernards Medical Center, as well as the personnel at the Arkansas Continued Care Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Rock of NEA.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com