Melinda F. Upton

Melinda F. Upton, 70, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026. She was born in Madisonville, Tennessee to Charles Franklin and Mary Alice Upton (Gaines). Raised in Tennessee at a young age, she and her family later relocated to Toledo, Ohio, where she attended Scott High School. She worked as a Manager for One Hour Martinizing Dry Cleaners in Toledo, and later retired from a Sylvania, Ohio location. If you know the feeling of a carefree Saturday with your favorite songs breathing life into you, you will understand her connection with music. Only a fan of Rick James, Teena Marie, and Chaka Khan will see the inspiration behind her tenacity and genuineness. Melinda also loved holidays, festivals, board games, plants, birds, soap operas (Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful), and horror movies (especially Vincent Price, Dracula with Frank Langella, and Creepshow). She adored her family and friends, and loved living life to the fullest. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Charles Franklin and Mary Alice Upton; her sister, Neisha Upton; and her brother, Gerry Gaines. She is survived by her daughter, Johnita Upton; her granddaughter, Taylour Upton; her grandson, Andre Upton-Seales; her sister, Rosalind Pattin; and a host of loving nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Services for Melinda will be private.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” - Isaiah 26:4

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