Dear Editor,

In the spring of 1961 two young women in Savannah were preparing to graduate from high school. One was Melinda Whalley, preparing to exit Savannah High School, the other was Judy Shippey, leaving Jenkins High. These two young women did not know each other then, but later on their paths would cross again and they would form a lasting friendship.

Around the year 2007, Melinda Whalley, having married and become Melinda Schneider, found herself in Hinesville, attending a meeting of the Morning Glory Garden Club. To her great surprise she discovered that the president of the club was Judy Shippey. They then discovered the similarity in their backgrounds.

When the State Garden Club sent out requests for all active garden club members 80 years old and above to send pictures, Melinda and Judy were among the four members of the Morning Glory Club fitting the request.

It was soon discovered that Malinda was truly a bright spark in garden club work. The word indefatigable defined her. She was always ready and willing to bend every effort in achieving projects of the garden club. She also served in many responsible positions in the community. Predominantly becoming known as the Yellow Bow Lady, making and distributing yellow bows to hang in public places, during the First Gulf War and subsequent events. She also served on the spousal committees of the VFW and the Georgia Republican Party.

During this latter period, Judy became unable to walk, and gladly received visitors at home. Melinda loved to wear hats an ordinarily have presented no problem except that Judy’s little chihuahua, Precious, took offense at the hats. When Melinda would come to visit, Precious barked repeatedly until satisfied that no danger was imminent.

Melinda loved clothes and it thrilled her to show the something new she had made from a Goodwill find. Something new from something old.

The Club made the choice to put a butterfly garden in Midway at the Community Complex. Melinda worked tirelessly on the project, truly going above and beyond.

Melinda had been in poor health for several years and we really missed her bright spirit and enthusiasm bolstering our meetings.

When word came that Melinda had passed away, the club knew that it wanted to do something extraordinary to honor her memory and to fan the bright spark extinguished by her passing. After conferring with club officers, it was thought that planting a Camellia bush in her memory at the Butterfly Garden would be a good way to do this. It was thought that a good way to provide a lasting memorial would be to place a bush at the Butterfly Garden in Midway with appropriate signage. This is underway and Melinda’s bright spark of enthusiasm, willingness to help, etc. will not be forgotten.

Judy Shippey