Melinda Ann Bingham

A native of Auburn, Kentucky, Melinda attended Auburn High School, and Western Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Counseling. She was certified to teach secondary mathematics in four states and taught Algebra, Geometry and Calculus in Kentucky, Oklahoma and Tennessee. In Kentucky, she taught at Chandler's High School for five years. In Oklahoma, she taught at Liberty-Mounds High School, near Tulsa, for four years. In Tennessee, she taught in the Chattanooga City School system, and then the Hamilton County School system, for 33 years. In total, she devoted 42 years of her life to teaching math, focusing on Algebra, her true passion. During her career, she enriched the lives of thousands of students and coworkers with her dedication and professionalism.

Melinda was born in 1955 in Logan County Kentucky to Walter Smith Chamberlain and Wilma Jean (Perry) Chamberlain, who preceded her in death.

She married H. V. Bingham, Jr. in 1982 and the couple remained devoted to each other for 36 years, until her death. During that time, she was a loving, generous wife, partner and best friend to her husband.

Melinda was a whiz at working jigsaw puzzles, and could even solve a Rubik's Cube. She also enjoyed many other games of all types, as well as reading novels of all genres, and listening to hardcore rock-and-roll music. The Killers was her favorite group.

Melinda is survived by her husband, H.V. Bingham, Jr. She leaves behind a sister, Rebecca Jane Hopper, a niece Kristi Leigh Mers, a stepson Timothy James Bingham, a grandnephew Zac Mers and a grandniece Shelby Mers. She had two step-grandsons, Aj Bingham and Logan Bingham, and two step-great-grandchildren.

There will be a private service to honor Melinda's life. She lived her life with dignity, passion, compassion and a never-say-quit determination. She was an inspiration to many, many people lucky enough to encounter her during her life. Memorial donations in memory of Melinda can be made to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association at ecaware.org/give/donate/ or the American Heart Association at donatenow.heart.org/.