Melinda Turner was born on January 5, 1964, the beloved daughter of Louise and Guy Turner, in Oak Ridge, TN. She passed from this life on December 19, 2025 at her home in Oak Ridge, TN.

Melinda is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Wendell Turner.  Left to remember her are her sisters and brothers in law Jenifer and Stephen Delmonte and Carolyn and Kimuel Hill.  She is also survived by nieces and families Amber, Tony, and Kasen Robinson; Rebecca, Kent, Taylor and Wyatt DeVinney; Kaylie, Matt, Connor, Grayson and Jay Davis; Her Nephews and families Ryan and Nichole Delmonte and Isaiah Comer; Brian Megan, Brayden, Owen and Grantlan Turner; Nathan, Jennifer, Eric and Levi Hill.  She will also be missed by her sisters of the heart, Debi Wyers and Robyn Glaze. She will be kept in memory by her friends at Hamilton House: Cathy Thompson, Marie Echnoz, Jenny Sue Hooks, Toni Ward, and Linda Maples. Melinda was lovingly cared for by the staff at Hamilton House. We will always be grateful to Michaela Smith, Kim Libberton, Patricia Nicolai, Courtney Kitts and Addy Sackmann.

Melinda was a member of the Claxton Church of Christ and will be fondly remembered by her friends there who loved and supported her all during her life. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends survive her.

Melinda overcame many obstacles in her life, having been born with Down Syndrome. She graduated from Daniel Arthur Rehabilitation Center in 1985.  She worked for a while in the sheltered workshop, then entered a training program designed to train special needs adults to work at area businesses. She secured a job at Wendy's Restaurant and worked there for 14 years.  She was well loved by her customers and enjoyed interacting with them.

Melinda participated in the Special Olympics all through her school years and in to her early adulthood, winning many ribbons and trophies.  She enjoyed traveling to Notre Dame University with the rowing team from EVC. She met many local celebrities through her involvement with Special Olympics.

The family will receive friends at the Claxton Church of Christ from 11 am until 1 pm.  Funeral services will be at 1pm. Graveside at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens immediately following. Ministers Tim Forlines, Hugh Glaze, and Charles Williams will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to Alzheimer's Association or Special Olympics in Melinda's memory.

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will by no means enter it." Luke 18:16-17