Rocky Mount -

Reverend MeLinda Kristine Gonzalez, 50, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was received into God's presence on Friday, November 14, 2025, much sooner than expected.

Born on June 2, 1975, in Washington, D.C., MeLinda moved with her family to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1978. She attended Faith Baptist School, Battlefield Elementary and Middle Schools, and graduated from Chancellor High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish from Virginia Tech and later received her Master's in Education from the University of Mary Washington.

MeLinda had a deep love for language, culture, and learning. She studied Spanish in Puerto Rico and traveled to China on a mission trip, where she also taught English. Over the course of more than 20 years, she dedicated her career to teaching ESL and Spanish in both public and private school systems, touching countless lives through her passion and commitment. She delighted in teaching and investing in the lives of young people, embodying patience, kindness, and a constant willingness to serve; often putting others before herself.

A lifelong lover of music, MeLinda played the saxophone throughout middle and high school. She was also a gifted artist, with some of her drawings and paintings displayed in her hometown art gallery. Fearless by nature, she lived her life with boldness and confidence, always embracing new experiences and approaching life with an adventurous spirit.

Most importantly, MeLinda loved the Lord wholeheartedly and shared her faith openly. She taught Sunday school, spoke at church events, and most recently became an ordained minister. Her love for the Lord was unwavering, and she devoted herself to sharing His Word with all that she encountered. She ministered often at CFC Sandy Cross, where her heartfelt sermons touched many lives that continue to be shared and remembered through recordings online.

MeLinda is survived by her two beloved children who were her greatest joy, Zoey and Ezequiel Gonzalez Turner; her parents whom she loved deeply, Leonard and Bettie Turner; her loving sisters, Monika Rice and Marsie Rabii; brothers-in-law, Kevin Rice and Noureddine Rabii; her niece, Jocelynn Beale; and her nephews, Zachariah Beale and Malachi Rabii. She shared a special bond with her Aunt Judy and also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was well loved by all.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 at CFC Sandy Cross, 7814 NC Highway 58 S, Elm City, NC 27822. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Nashville, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11:00am.

MeLinda knew there was beauty to be found in all of God's creations and because she so appreciated the joy and vibrancy of beautiful colors, we would love to see friends pay tribute to her by wearing your favorite colors to her Celebration of Life.

MeLinda's family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love, support, and prayers extended to them during this difficult time. To God goes all of the Glory.