Melinda Gresham

Melinda Garmany Gresham was born on September 23, 1938 to the parents Sarah Emily Norman and Emmett Lester Garmany in Rome Georgia. In high school, she actively served as Treasurer of the Distributive Education Club, Future Business Leaders of America Club, Drama Club and a Lieutenant on the Drum and Bugle Corps. Melinda graduated from Rome High School on May 30, 1958. On April 23, 1959, she married Harold Edwin Gresham, also from Rome, Georgia. Throughout Harold’s years at Georgia Institute of Technology, she thrived in her career at a fine jewelry store, using her vivacious personality for sales and customer service. After Harold graduated from Georgia Tech, they moved to Rome, Hartwell, Cornelia and Albany, Georgia with their three children, Kenda, Hal and Jill as Harold’s career progressed with Georgia Power Company. While raising children, Melinda worked in sales with the Hartwell Sun Newspapers and in Belk’s Department Store. She took positions of leadership in various organizations, including Jaycettes, Women of Georgia Power and Georgia Power Citizens. Fun-loving and passionate about children, Melinda attained her teaching certificate and became a substitute teacher in Cornelia and Albany, Georgia. Children referred to her lovingly as “Momma G” and she actively mentored and cared for children. An advocate for church ministries and volunteerism, Melinda worked tirelessly for church communities where they resided, making lifelong friends. In 2004, Melinda suffered a hemmoragic stroke and then another one in 2009. Harold lovingly cared for Melinda in their home until his passing in August, 2013. Their love was an inspiration in devotion and faith in God. There were many angels (caregivers) that helped Harold with the care of Melinda. Melinda is preceded by her loving husband, Harold Edwin and her brother Emmett, as well as her Mother and Father. She is survived by her daughters Kenda Gresham of West Union South Carolina and grandchildren Kayla, Seth, and Holly; son Hal Gresham, wife Nancy, and grandchildren Nicole, Natalie, and Andrew of Dunwoody Georgia; daughter Jill Tiller, husband Lt. Colonel Wade Tiller, and grandchildren Sam, Caroline, and Ben of San Antonio Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Hospice Atlanta, 1244 Park Vista Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30319 or American Heart Association. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 11 o’clock at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens, 2549 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia, 30165.