Melinda Arrington Cooper

Melinda Arrington Cooper, 60, of Bedford departed this life on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at her residence on Smith Mountain Lake where she cherished her view of the water especially at sunrise and sunset.

Born on February 26, 1961, to the late Mack Lee and Helen Marie Key Arrington. Melinda is survived by two sisters, Kathy Arrington Glover and her husband, Rich; and Renae Arrington Fariss and her husband, Ron; and a brother, Mark Lee Arrington and wife, Penny, all of Bedford.

She was Aunt Melinda to eight nieces and nephews who survive: Melinda Glover Misjuns and husband, Marty; Megan Glover Zawadzki and husband, Kyle; Richard Lewis Glover, Jr, and wife, Amanda; Clark Lee Glover; Callie Glover Freeman and husband, Aaron; Ted Lee Arrington; Lucas Lee Arrington; and Hannah Leigh Arrington. She is also survived by three uncles and an aunt: Robert “Bobby” E. Key, Gerald (Bobo) L. Key, Bernard (Bunny) C. Key, and Judy Key Dickerson. In addition, Melinda leaves behind nine great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and two very dear Friends, Cheryl Musgrove, and Jackie Sereno. Melinda was also Nannie to a very special grandson, Tyler Cooper.

Melinda was an avid animal lover, and the ones closest to her heart were her golden retrievers, Sherman, Winston and Doc, and her horse, Chief. In her younger years, she competed in horse shows and enjoyed trail rides. Some of her fondest memories were helping her dad on the family dairy farm, and she did everything from rounding up cattle to helping milk them.

Aside from farming, Melinda was a gifted knitter and made many beautiful scarves that she sold at craft shows and gave as gifts. Her chocolate chip cookies were second to none.

A graduate of Liberty High School, Bedford, and Lynchburg College. Melinda was an elementary school teacher for Bedford County Public Schools at Thaxton Elementary, Bedford Primary, and Big Island Elementary Schools. She treasured her time in the classroom, and not having children of her own, she immersed herself in the lives of the ones she taught, and they were like hers.

A nurturer to all, Melinda loved her family and took pride in helping with her parents care in their later years. As her own health declined during this last year, Melinda was always grateful for the care Lawrence provided for her. He shopped, cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and drove for her, all while making her laugh.

Melinda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was a lifelong member of Suck Spring Baptist Church.

A celebration of Melinda’s life will be conducted at Tharp Funeral Chapel in Bedford 11:00 am on Saturday, February 5, 2022, with Rev. Michael Cox and Jerry Parr officiating. A burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Suck Spring Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Melinda’s name may be made to Suck Spring Baptist Church, 3887 Jopling Road, Bedford, VA 24523. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.