Melinda Estelle Golden of | 1958 - 2023 | Obituary

Melinda Estelle Golden

January 16, 1958 - February 6, 2023

After a long battle with autoimmune and chronic illnesses, Melinda Estelle Brown Golden (née Ransome) passed away on February 6th, 2023, at Banner Thunderbird Hospital, in Glendale, AZ and was surrounded by her daughters Miaka and Alexxus Golden and her ex-husband Gregory Golden.

Melinda was born in Harlem, NY on Jan 16th, 1958, at Harlem Hospital, to the late Scotty Henderson Ransome of Jackson, NC and Lillie Mae Ward Campbell of Rocky Mount, NC. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Geneva Victoria Plummer Ward Mitchell (Ed) Rocky Mount, NC, Estelle Grant Ransom Grant Hall of Suffolk, VA, Wiley Ransome of Jackson, NC and step-grandfather George Hall of Suffolk VA, sisters Jacqueline and Hortense Brown, aunts Gracie Ransome Bernard (Cecil) of Suffolk, VA and Callie Ransome Goode (William) of New York City, uncles Joseph and Leroy Ward of Rocky Mount, NC and her great-aunt Sadie Plummer McDowell (William), Suffolk, VA.

Early in childhood, Melinda went to live with her grandmother Estelle Grant Ransome Hall in Suffolk, VA., whom she lovingly referred to as “mommy” Estelle. While in Virginia, Melinda attended East Suffolk Elementary School and became a member of Greater First Baptist Church Orlando under the leadership of Pastor Henry Baker. Melinda returned to New York to complete her schooling and went on to graduate from Jane Addams Vocational High school in the Bronx, NY, class of 1976. She married George Willard Golden in the Bronx, NY in 1979 and together they later had two daughters, Alexxus Keturah Golden, and Miaka Kenyatta Golden. Melinda and Greg divorced in 1989. She would later return to Suffolk, VA, and New York City before permanently relocating to Tucson, Arizona to be closer to her children.

After falling chronically ill Melinda was moved into the care of her daughter Miaka Golden but was soon declared terminal. She was admitted to Bella Vita Health & Rehabilitation Center and Emblem Hospice in Glendale, AZ. Melinda will always be known for her sweet and kind nature as well as her laughter and feistiness. She was a fighter who loved the Lord with all her heart and will be remembered for her devotion and unwavering love for her children. Melinda was highly creative homemaker and cherished spending time with her children. She loved the holidays and enjoyed hobbies such as arts and crafts, playing cards, decorating, knitting, sewing, cooking and she loved reading, especially the book of Psalms.

Melinda is survived by her daughters Alexxus Keturah Golden and Miaka Kenyatta Golden, both of Phoenix, AZ, ex-husband Gregory Golden of the Bronx, NY and Phoenix, AZ, sisters Valda Jenkins of Hyattsville, MD and Brenda Ransome of New York City brothers Larry Brown, Marvin Brown of Hyattsville,, MD, and Elliot Brown of Rocky Mount, NC, aunt Mazie Ransome Garris (Boatman-deceased) of New York City and special cousins Mazie Blount (Alvin), Essie Mae Edwards (Phillip) of Petersburg VA, Marty Garris of New York City, Cecil Demetrius Bernard of Suffolk VA, Laura Patton (Manley) of Norfolk, VA, Dorothy Ward and Deborah Ward of Maryland, nieces Kristina Jenkins of Capitol Heights, MD, Kandis Hayes of Hyattsville, MD and nephew Robert Stephen Jenkins of North Chesterfield, VA, Special friend and neighbor Sonya of Tucson House AZ and goddaughter Janelle Melinda Taylor. Melinda also leaves behind 2 great-nieces and 4 great-nephews, several cousins and friends to cherish her memories.

The family of Melinda Golden would like to thank the staff of Bella Vita Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home. Banner Hospice and Emblem Hospice services in Glendale, AZ. Flower arrangements: Johnson’s Gardens. 

A public viewing will be held 12-1pm, Saturday, March 4, 2023 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the public viewing at 1:00pm. Bishop Dr. Kevin White will deliver the message of comfort. Ms. Golden will be laid to raid in Carver Memorial Cemetery. There will be a repast following the interment at Greater First Baptist Church Orlando, 600 Factory Street, Suffolk VA.