Melinda Faye Young Carter was born December 9, 1964, in Albany, Georgia.  She was the  daughter of Samuel J. Young and the late Carrie Oliver Young.

She was educated in the Dougherty County Public School System, attending  Flintside Elementary, River Road Junior High, and Westover High School where she graduated in the Class of 1982.  Melinda was very talented and took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.  She continued her education at Albany Technical School, earning an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

At a very early age, Melinda confessed Christ and united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend J. Wesley Lowe and was very active in the Youth Department.  As an adult, she assisted with the Children's Church; sang in the choir; and was active in the Culinary Arts, Pastor's Aide, and Hospitality Ministries.  Over the years, she remained a faithful servant as she willingly availed herself in Christian stewardship.

Melinda was united in holy matrimony to Ronald Carter on May 15, 1993.    She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who devoted her life to caring for the needs of her family.   Melinda held fast to her belief in professional work ethics and responsibilities as she began her employment with Friendship Day Care.  While her work there proved to be rewarding, she later sought advancement opportunities with the Dougherty County School System as a PreK paraprofessional.  For more than 20 years, Melinda worked hard to consistently pursue excellence as she nurtured young minds and talents until her demise.

Often described as a compassionate, loving, humble, and giving individual, Melinda's life was filled with many interesting experiences.  She had a big heart, gave of herself freely, loved unconditionally, and impacted the lives of everyone around her in a very special way.  She dearly loved her family—especially her grandchildren, and she was a true and dependable friend.  Melinda's greatest passion was SHOPPING!  Her part-time employment for many years at CATO Fashions heightened her passion; thus, she became a true "fashionista."   She also enjoyed many fun-filled family gatherings and outings.

On January 29, 2021, Melinda transitioned from this earthly life to eternal peace with the Lord.   Along with her mother, she was predeceased by her grandmother, Essie Bryant; her son, Emery Young; aunt, Mary Alice Pettus; and one uncle, Willie James Oliver.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her husband, Ronald Carter; three daughters, Marquita Young, LaPortia Young (Holden Allen), and Zakeah Young; grandchildren, De'Jon Young, Jalen Young, Tristan Young, Kayden Young, Ivan Young, Iva Young, Kylin Young, Ada Allen, and Adonis Allen; her father, Samuel (Bertha) Young; siblings, Emery (Renee) Young, Yvonne (Eric) Raines, and Sharon Young; aunt and uncles, Geraldine Cranston, Johne Baily, and Earnest Linkhorn; goddaughters, Kalina and Za'Nyah Fields; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.