Obituaries

Melinda Cameron Godsey

Photo of Melinda Cameron Godsey
Melinda Cameron Godsey, 64, passed away August 3, 2018, after a valiant battle with cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in god, and the love and prayers of family, friends and many supporters carried her through several courageous years. Yet, even throughout her own struggle with cancer, she reached out to others affected in different ways that included participating in genetic research and creating and donating an original painting to the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Melinda was born on January 3, 1954 in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Austin Van and Jamie Middleton Brantley. Melinda received a BFA in interior design from Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana. She had a distinguished career as an interior designer and was also a renowned artist. Melinda won many prestigious awards as a painter and left her artistic mark across the country, winning national awards from New York to San Diego. She influenced people of all ages by teaching and sharing her creative gift, which was her proudest accomplishment. Melinda has said "Painting is the freedom to communicate what I perceive through design and color." She will be missed, but her art will forever speak for her. In addition to her students, Melinda had a love of animals, including her many wolf dogs and horses. Melinda was an active member in Saint Mary's Episcopal Church and served on various committees within the congregation. She is preceded in death by her parents and dear cousin, Scott Lout. Survivors include her husband of 24 years, William Paul Godsey, of El Dorado; daughters Kelly Cameron of Hot Springs and Courtney Cassinelli of Little Rock; along with Mr. Godsey's children, Chris Godsey (Meghan) of Bentonville, Jason Godsey (Jessica) of Fayetteville and Amber Nye (Rodney) of Rogers. She is also survived by her brother, David Brantley, of Jasper and her grandchildren who lovingly called her Nona: Jace (Jace-Man) Cameron; Cam (Cambo) and Cate (Missy Prissy) Cassinelli; Clay, Hayes and Pierce Godsey; Harper and Andrew Godsey; and Carter, Draper and Hunter Nye. The family will receive friends to celebrate her life from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 E. Fifth Street. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2018, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with Father Charles Chapman and Father Robert Wetherington officiating. Cremation services entrusted to Young's Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205 or to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Published August 8, 2018

Upcoming Events