Bowman, Melinda's Obituary
Melinda Suzanne Bowman
Melinda Suzanne Bowman, lovingly known as "Mel," passed away peacefully at her home on May 26, 2026, at the age of 49.
Born on November 21, 1976, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Melinda was the cherished daughter of Teddy Wayne Brown and Kathlene Anita Brown. She later made her home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she devoted herself to her family as a homemaker and created countless memories with those she loved most.
Melinda was a professing Christian whose faith provided strength and comfort throughout her life. She found joy in life's simple pleasures and treasured time spent at the beach, antiquing, shopping, collecting jewelry, and making memories with family and friends. One of her greatest joys was shopping for her children, nieces, and nephews, always finding special ways to show her love through thoughtful gifts and acts of kindness.
To know Melinda was to know someone truly unforgettable. She was fearless, adventurous, and full of life. Her family remembers her as one of the craziest, most reckless, brave, kind, considerate, and loving people they had ever known. As the eldest sister, she was fun-loving and spirited, never allowing her younger siblings to get away with much. Her vivacious personality, infectious laughter, and loving heart touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Teddy Wayne Brown and Kathlene Anita Brown; her grandparents, Lowell and Mollie Wetherbee; and Idele and Charles Edward Brown.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Matthew Cortez; her sons, Trenton Bowman, Urijah Cortez, and Kobe Cortez; her siblings, Michale Williams, Kelly Bailie, and Patrick Brown; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Maddison Burton, Kolton Bailie, Mollie Bailie, Grayson Brown, Ella Brown, and Brynlee Brown, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Those who knew Melinda will remember her as kind, loving, giving, adventurous, fun, and just a little bit crazy in the very best way. Her love for life and unwavering devotion to her family will remain a lasting legacy.
The family finds comfort in the words of her favorite scripture, Psalm 91, and in the many precious memories they shared with her.
Visitation Wednesday, June 3, 2026 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Floral Haven Funeral Home
Funeral Service Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:30 PM Floral Haven Funeral Home
Pallbearers will be Matthew Cortez, Urijah Cortez, Kolton Bailie, Trenton Bowman, Patrick Brown, and Lane Burton.
Though Melinda's time on earth was far too short, the love she shared and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
What’s your fondest memory of Melinda?
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Share a story where Melinda's kindness touched your heart.
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