Melinda McLeod

Melinda Caroline McLeod, 68, of Burfordville passed away Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at her home.

She was born Oct. 11, 1943, in Memphis, Tenn., to Harold L. and Helen O'Neil Pierce Hinchey. She was united in marriage to James McLeod on Feb. 27, 1971, in Caruthersville, Mo.

Melinda graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1961 and attended Southeast Missouri State University. She taught 14 years in the Caruthersville School District, and with Missouri State Program for handicapped children in Wardell and Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses at Jackson.

Survivors include her husband, James McLeod; mother, Helen Hinchey of Caruthersville; two brothers, Harold Hinchey Jr. of Tupelo, Miss., and Pierce Hinchey of San Francisco, Calif.; two sisters, Cynthia Crane of Caruthersville and Janet Buck of Memphis, Tenn.; four sons, Tom and Tim McLeod of Wentzville, Mo., Scott McLeod of Overland, Mo., and Chris McLeod of Burfordville; two daughters, Cynthia Lutrull of Marble Hill, Mo., and Jamie O'Neil Harpole of Fair Dealing, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Melinda was preceded in death by her father, Harold L. Hinchey, and a sister, Rebecca Moore.

A memorial service was held Feb. 11 at H.S. Smith Funeral Home in Caruthersville. A graveside service followed at Little Prairie Cemetery.

A memorial service was held Feb. 12 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Jackson.