Melinda LaShawn SEARIGHT

Realizing that life is a gift from God and that by His redemptive grace we can make the most of our days. We thank God for His perfect gift, forty-two years, a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and beloved friend.

A Time to Live

Melinda was born April 19, 1974, to James and Doris Durden, and later raised by John and Doris Doss. She attended Lewis Elementary and Inglenook Elementary. She excelled academically and graduated from Ramsay High School in 1992. Melinda was also a student athlete and played soccer, basketball, and softball.

Melinda was a devoted and loving mother. She leaves two sons Wesley Searight Hunter, a member of the U.S. Navy, and David Ward; three daughters Makayla Ward, Kendall Ward, and Kayci Ward; along with husband David Ward.

Melinda worked as a Collections Supervisor for more than 20 years, she later earned a Business Administration Degree from Virginia College in 2015. She was also an entrepreneur and started a Bartending business named Triple Threatt.

Melinda was very social and enjoyed having a good time. She was a member of Double Dose Savings Club and later joined Millennium 7 Social and Savings Club.

A Time to Love

Melinda leaves to cherish her beautiful memory loving and devoted parents, John and Doris Doss and James and Mayo Durden all of Birmingham, Alabama. Two sons and three daughters, all of Birmingham Alabama. Three brothers Darian Searight (Earlene) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, James Durden of Birmingham, Alabama, and Tracy Johnson. Three sisters, Jamese Durden, Misty Houston, and Mecindia Brown of Birmingham, Alabama. Four aunts Diane Brown and Cleo Durden both of Birmingham, Alabama. Granada Cartwright (Erskine) of Chicago Illinois, Ursula Stitt (Zack) of Tacoma, Washington. Three uncles; Donald Searight (Lula) of Birmingham, Alabama, Harold Doss of Birmingham, Alabama and Steven Doss (Pam) of Cranston, Rhode Island. A host of nieces; nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Melinda was a true and loyal friend. She was always willing to assist her friends in anyway possible. Her smile, beautiful voice and loving touch will be missed by all; but especially her friends: Angela Moore Jasper friend of 32 years; Jannifer Reese friend of 35 years; Dramesha Jones friend of 27 years; Jovon High friend of 10 years; and LeKesha Scroggins friend of 5 years.

Service Information: Visitation (11a) and Funeral (NOON) - Saturday April 30, 2016, Central Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Carter Gadsden Jr., 1032 50th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35212

Professional services entrusted to Funeral Directors by Dante L. Jelks