Saturday, May 2, 2015

Melinda Carol Giffen

     1959 - 2015


     A memorial service for Melinda Carol Giffen, age 55 of Saint Jo was held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Saint Jo. Ms. Giffen died Tuesday, April 28, 2015.
     Melinda Carol Giffen was born June 22, 1959 to Robert and Marilyn Giffen in Sherman, Texas. She was the oldest of six children. Her father’s time in the military resulted in the family relocating several times before moving to Saint Jo when she was 10. She graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1977. She became a mother in 1979 with the birth of her daughter, Traci. In 1981, she attended nursing school at Bethesda School of Nursing in Wichita Falls. She relocated Ft. Worth in 1985, where she raised her daughter. For 13 years she was able to care for people through the field of nursing. She then pursued other avenues of benevolence. She worked for the All Church Home for Children, then the Union Gospel Mission serving the homeless. She worked at Sagamore Hill Baptist church as the Children’s director, and in the last years of her life she served those in need as a case manager for the Department of Human Services in Gainesville, Texas. Melinda took great joy in serving others. During her time as the Children’s Director at Sagamore Hill, she was able to serve numerous children and their families. She was genuinely interested and involved in helping all those around her reach their potential. In 2007, she reunited with an old friend John Reed. The two of them devoted their lives to each other. With this union Melinda gained another daughter, Davida Larkin. She was exceptionally creative and talented. She enjoyed arts and crafts, and in particular, crocheting afghans which she often gave to people she loved as gifts. She enjoyed her work and her family. Melinda loved John, her children and grandchildren with all her being. She loved everyone.
     Melinda is survived by the love of her life John Reed, daughters: Traci Wright, and her husband Karl and Davida Larkin and her husband Nick; grandchildren: Thad, Nathan, Katie, and Orion; sisters: Pamela Cavaness and her husband Ryan and Shirley Giffen; brothers: Paul Giffen and his wife Sharon and Ronny Giffen and his wife Carol, as well and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother David Giffen. Melinda touched lives and was loved by many. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CASA of Gainesville, TX, or the charity benefiting children of your choice.


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