Melinda Plumlee passed away on January 5, 2026, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, at the age of 76. She was born on April 8, 1949, in Clarendon, where she would go on to build a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Melinda graduated from Clarendon High School and dedicated much of her professional life to serving others. For 31 years, she worked as the secretary at First Baptist Church in Clarendon. Her long tenure there reflected not only her commitment to her work but also her deep connection to the church and its congregation.

She shared nearly five decades of marriage with her beloved husband of 49 years, Larry Plumlee. Together they raised two children: a son, Larry Plumlee Jr and a daughter, Lucinda Ruth Akel. Melinda found great joy in her role as grandmother.

Outside of her professional life, Melinda found happiness in simple pleasures. She loved tending to her flowerbeds and had a special fondness for roses and hummingbirds—symbols of beauty and grace that mirrored her own gentle spirit.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Ruth Geurian; five brothers; and one sister. She is survived by her husband, Larry Plumlee; son, Larry Plumlee Jr., and his wife Meagan of Clarendon; daughter, Lucinda Ruth Akel of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Sophia and Beatrice; She is also remembered by her sister, Glenda Geurian.

May Melinda's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.