Melinda Gayle Southworth

Melinda Gayle Southworth, 63, of Amarillo, passed away February 11, 2019 at home with her family.

Melinda was born to Charles and Hazel Gaston, October 25, 1955 in Amarillo. She graduated early from Tascosa High School in December 1973.

She met Tom Southworth and after a whirlwind courtship, they married February 2, 1974. They were blessed to recently celebrate 45 years of memories of guitars, motorcycles, home renovations, vacations, sitting on the sidelines of swimming pools and basketball courts, road trips, Shrimp Paesano, Gene Watson, lifelong friendships and the rollercoaster of parenthood.

Melinda is survived by Tom, daughter Leasa, her husband, John, and granddaughter Lillean Grace Salazar; daughter Rebecca Southworth, and her niece, Khaki Wakefield, with whom she had a very special relationship. She is survived by a sister, Patricia Netherton, extended family, several "adopted kids" and an amazing group of friends and co-workers.

Melinda retired in 2017 from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after 27 years of service.

Melinda loved her family and instilled in her daughters a strong sense of tradition. She loved creating memories. Above all, "Grandma" was her favorite title. She enjoyed playing games, gardening, baking, making costumes and looking at the moon with Lillea. She was a dedicated "sports mom" and spent many weekends watching her daughters and granddaughter play. She always opened up their home with a big smile and a warm meal. She was known for being encouraging. Melinda enjoyed cooking, reading and crocheting. Most of all, she enjoyed traveling with Tom and trying new experiences. She wasn't afraid of anything, except mice.

True to self, she made jokes until the end of her life.

In Heaven, Melinda joins her parents, her granddaughter Ayden Aerin Southworth, the aunt she had a unique bond with, Juanitta Watterson and her aunt, Elwanda Cross.

Gifts in memoriam may be sent to Austin Pets Alive! at 1156 W Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78703 or www.austinpetsalive.org.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00am at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors located at 5400 Bell St.