Melinda Kay Barrow

Melinda Kay Barrow, 57, of New Bern, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Melinda was born February 20, 1969, in Savannah, Georgia, the adopted daughter of Thomas A. and Betty A. Barrow. Raised in a loving Southern Baptist family, she was a lifelong member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in New Bern. She attended New Bern High School, worked at McCall’s Seafood in Goldsboro during her college years, and went on to manage McCall’s at Emerald Isle and Flippers Restaurant for many years. She never met a stranger, and she had a gift for making people feel heard.

Melinda was short, but her heart and personality were anything but. Everyone who knew her loved to hear her laugh. She loved people and the beach, and she was a founding member of the Parrothead Club of Emerald Isle.

In her forties, Melinda was diagnosed with dementia. She faced it with a courage that never left her — and it never took who she was. At The Indigo at New Bern, where she was the youngest resident, the staff called her “their baby” because she was so easy to love. Her personality showed through to the very end. She was lovingly cared for by friends, caregivers, and her family, especially her brother Kenneth, who remained at her side.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas A. Barrow, a Navy veteran, and her brother, Jeffery C. Barrow.

She is survived by her mother, Betty A. Barrow of New Bern; her brothers, Derrell D. Barrow of Oak City and Kenneth Barrow of New Bern; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Greenleaf Memorial Park, 900 River Road, New Bern, with Pastor Scott Gleason officiating. Melinda will be laid to rest beside her brother.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Melinda Kay Barrow.