Melinda Grace Barnes

Mrs. Barnes, 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2012 at Hospice of Monroe. She was a member of Matthews United Methodist Church and found much comfort in her faith. Melinda was predeceased by her parents, Rudy and Grace Barnes; her sisters, Pamela Annice Fisher and Sara Graham Barnes; and her stepmother, Jane F. Barnes.

Melinda graduated from Central High School of Charlotte in 1958 and received from Elmhurst College in 1963 a degree in Sociology and a minor in History. She later received a degree from CPCC in Medical Records and was the Medical Records Director at the Howell Center. She was a past member of Junior Woman’s Club, Charity League, and the Opera Guild. Melinda enjoyed her volunteer work at the Red Cross and Presbyterian Hospital/Matthews and enjoyed meeting with her classmates of Central High School.

She was a loving mother to her two sons and a devoted sister. She was an avid reader, loved to travel, and collected peacocks from around the world.

Survivors include her sons, Wes (Kim) Wilkinson and Craig (Anne) Wilkinson of Charlotte; sister, Susan B. Triplett; grandchildren Preston Wilkinson, Stephen Wilkinson, Daniel Wilkinson, Connor Wilkinson, Kate Wilkinson, and Alex Wilkinson.

Melinda’s family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 12:30 - 1:45 pm with services following at 2 pm at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC.

The family greatly appreciates the tender, loving care she received from the staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Matthews and Hospice of Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Matthews United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com