March 4, 2025, 66, Goldsboro — Our wonderful Wife, Mom, Gannie, Sister, and Daughter, Mary Melinda Ginn Friese, 66, returned home to her Heavenly Father on March 4, 2025. She was born on November 27, 1958, to the late Aaron Gay Ginn and Mary Darlene Gwaltney Davis in Goldsboro, NC.
Melinda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her three grandsons, decorating for each holiday, shopping for others, cooking for her family, taking selfies and creating lasting memories. Her love for her family was endless and her home was always a place of laughter and love. Melinda was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
We know and will always remember her as unforgettable, golden, tender-hearted, beautiful, sassy, sweet spirited, loving, giving, thoughtful, fancy, selfless, dependable, a simple country girl.
Melinda was preceded in death by her son, Dallas Ray Minshew. She is survived by her loving spouse, Jeffrey Friese, Havelock, NC, whom she loved and adored. Her daughters Lee Gray (Jason) and Dana Raper (Kelvin). Her grandsons Evan and Landon Gray and Matthew Raper. Her siblings Rhonda Gay Long, Clytee Hawley (Charles), Morris Ray Davis Jr. (Eric), Marsha Dills (Randall) and her Dad, Morris Ray Davis Sr. (Linda). Her step-daughters Rachel Lake, Jillian Martinez (Jose) and step-grandchildren Helena Brown, Lilah Lake, Tristan Martinez, Gloria Martinez and Annalise Martinez.
Her journey on earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives she touched.
Mom, thank you for everything. Your unwavering love and selflessness will continue to guide us. We will miss you each day but will remember the joy you brought into our lives. We will carry your memories with us. We love you very much.
A memorial service to celebrate Melinda’s life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com
