Melinda Loraine Vance

The unforgettable moment in time was September 5, 1964; it was then that Melinda made her grand entrance into the world. She was born in Prescott, Arkansas and was the beloved daughter and second child of Richard and Mattie Walker. Family played a key role in the development and shaping of her life.

Melinda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a little girl. She was a lifelong member of Union Grove Baptist Church where she served as a choir member and was 1982 graduate of Prescott High School. She was a risk-taker, a go-getter. She lived life to the fullest and always encouraged others to do the same. She inspired many. Melinda was always the life of the party. She made life-long friends wherever she went.

A true servant in every aspect of the word Melinda did not mind lending her time, talent, and treasures to many people, causes, and church events. She dutifully fulfilled her role as a help mate and First Lady to Rev. Stevie Vance. Of all the notable titles and respected positions, she was a super wife, loving mother, caring sister, sweet grandmother, proud aunt, and a true friend.

She worked as a quality inspector with Areojet in Camden, Arkansas. She enjoyed shopping and all types of arts and crafts. Melinda was a true jewel and will be missed by many. She was preceded in passing by her father, Richard Walker (December 18, 2011).

Melinda leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of those who loved her. A lifetime of love and memories will be felt by her husband, Rev. Stevie Vance of Bluff City, AR; her sons, Billy D. Hunter and Desmond (Latrena) Hunter all of Camden, AR; her mother, Mattie Walker of Bluff City, AR; her bonus daughters, Sharnaya Vance and Lakiesha Vance; her grandchildren, Dakylon Hunter and Rhylie Hunter; her bonus grandchildren,  La’maya Mack, Walter Mack and Na Asia Hollerman; four sisters, Earnestine Burton, Gwendolyn Harris both of Milwaukee, WI, Debra (Lee) Meadows of Buff City, AR and Sharon Ingram of Mobile, AL; and one brother, Rickey Walker of Camden, AR. She also leaves nieces, nephews, other relatives, and the Union Grove and Antioch Baptist Church families.

* There will be no public viewing. Graveside services will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Bluff City, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., eulogist.

Friends, thank you for grieving with us during this time. As you do, take a moment also to remember celebrate her life. We will miss her, but we are so glad that she woke up in Heaven. Rejoice in knowing that Jesus has taken the sting out of death and victory away from the grave.