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Melinda Goodwin Leaseburg

August 21, 1943 - May 27, 2023

Burial Date June 6, 2023

Melinda Leaseburg’s memorial (Houston, TX) and burial (Clarksburg, WV) services are as follows: 1. Memorial Service (Houston, TX) – Saturday, June 3rd: 10am visitation, 11am memorial service – Darst Funeral Home, 700 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, TX 77339 2. Burial Service (Clarksburg, WV) – Tuesday, June 6th: – 10am visitation – Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St., Clarksburg, WV 26301 – 11am memorial service – Bridgeport Cemetery, 101 Eva Pearl St., Bridgeport, WV 26330

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melinda Goodwin Leaseburg, a loving mother, compassionate teacher, and dedicated mental health professional. Melinda, born on August 21, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, peacefully departed this world on May 27, 2023, at her home in Kingwood, Texas, near Houston. She was loved by many as she journeyed to eternal peace.

Melinda was the beloved daughter of Raymond Gilbert Goodwin and Vereda Mae Gould Goodwin. She grew up in Clarksburg and attended Washington Irving High School, where she laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for education and helping others.

Melinda was a lifelong learner and grew to love reading and research. She received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 1965 majoring in Math & Science with a secondary in Education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Melinda then received her Master of Arts in Guidance Counseling in 1969 from WVU. She was most proud of receiving her Doctor of Philosophy – Applied Behavioral Studies in Counseling Psychology in 1990 from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Melinda’s unwavering faith was an integral part of her life. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg, WV as well as many other Methodist churches across the country as she travelled, where she found solace, community, and a sense of purpose.

In 1965, Melinda married her first husband, Floyd Edward Leaseburg II. Together, they shared many years and the joy of raising two sons, Erik Shane Leaseburg and Jason Thaddeus Leaseburg. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1990, the bond between Melinda and her sons remained strong throughout her life.

In 1992, Melinda found love again and married Robert Nolan Jennings. Their marriage lasted until 1996, and although they did not have children together, Melinda embraced Nolan’s child, Crystal Jennings, as her own.

Melinda’s impact reached far beyond her immediate family. She dedicated her life to serving others, first as a teacher and later as a mental health professional. After obtaining her Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Studies in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. Melinda’s work exemplified her commitment to helping those in need. She evaluated individuals, collaborated with psychiatrists, provided crisis interventions, and offered support and guidance to families and individuals struggling with mental health issues.

As a teacher and counselor Melinda helped to form and guide youth and students across the country in many roles: Counselor and Diagnostician at New Caney Intermediate; Diagnostician at Reaves Intermediate in Conroe; Psychology professor at North Harris County Community College in Houston; Mental Health and Psychology professor at Midland College; Math teacher at Ransom Middle School in Cantonment, Florida; Science teacher at Lividias Middle School in Gretna, Louisiana; Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Advanced Math teacher at Wiscasset High School in Maine; Algebra, Geometry, General Math, and Biology teacher at West Jefferson High School in Gretna, Louisiana; and Adult and Youth Sunday School Teacher, Coordinator, and Director at several United Methodist churches.

As a professional diagnostician and counselor Melinda changed the world one client at a time serving in many positions: Residential Treatment Director “The Tree House” in Conroe, Board of Harris County Biofeedback Association, United Methodist Bishops Committee on Alcohol and Drug, Supervisor of master’s level counseling students, MD Anderson Pediatric Oncology Unit in Houston, Nueces County MHMR in Corpus Christi, Child Study Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Edmond Youth Council – Community Mental Health Service, City of Faith Medical Center in Tulsa, Hospice of Midland, Midland Memorial Hospital & Allison Cancer Center “I Can Cope”, and Pineland Hospital & Training Center in Maine.

Melinda had an innate ability to connect with people and bring laughter and creativity into their lives. Her infectious spirit and warm personality made her beloved by all who knew her. She had a special place in her heart for youth and the most vulnerable members of society, always striving to make the world a better place, one person at a time.

Melinda Leaseburg’s memorial (Houston, TX) and burial (Clarksburg, WV) services are as follows:

1. Memorial Service (Houston, TX) – Saturday, June 3rd: 10am visitation, 11am memorial service – Darst Funeral Home, 700 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, TX 77339

2. Burial Service (Clarksburg, WV) – Tuesday, June 6th:

– 10am visitation – Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St., Clarksburg, WV 26301

– 11am memorial service – Bridgeport Cemetery, 101 Eva Pearl St., Bridgeport, WV 26330

In honor of Melinda’s passion for helping at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to BEAR…BE A Resource, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their caregivers in the greater Houston area. Donations can be made at https://bearesourcehouston.org.

Melinda Goodwin Leaseburg will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. May her legacy of love, service, and laughter continue to inspire us all.

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