Melinda Leigh Miller

Melinda Leigh Cole Miller passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at age 63 in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Boulevard, Columbus, Georgia. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Parkhill Cemetery. Immediately following interment, the family is hosting a reception to honor Melinda at the Doubletree Hotel, the Georgia room, second floor, at 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd, Columbus, Georgia . The family asks that you come and share in remembrance of Melinda as we celebrate her life.

Melinda was born on February 5, 1962 in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Rebecca F. Cole and William M. Cole. Her family moved to Thomasville, Georgia when she was a young child, and eventually settled in Boston, Georgia. Her parents ran Back Acre Kennels and were loved by their community. She graduated from Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia in 1980 and later from Valdosta State College with a degree in art education.

Melinda taught art at Brookstone School in Columbus from 1987 until 1990. She stayed home to raise her two wonderful sons, Clay and Patrick. She loved being a mom to them. She was so proud of her sons and made their lives very special.

Melinda was a talented artist and photographer. She had a passion for both, as shown by the beautiful artwork and photographs she left behind. She loved to draw, paint, sculpt, and do crafts. She spent many happy hours in her home art studio. She loved plants and filled the house and yard with them, as she loved to garden.

Melinda loved board games, Mexican food, trips to the beach, and rock music, all of which she shared with her sons. She loved holidays especially, and the Miller home was always thoroughly decorated for each one. She particularly loved Christmas. She and Charlie shared a love of comedy, and some of their fondest memories were watching standup comedians, both on television and in person. Melinda loved music, movies, true crime documentaries, and reality television. She loved animals and could usually be found snuggling with one or more of the family pets.

Melinda had more friends than she could count. They spoke often of how caring she was and how special she made them feel. She was a presence in many lives, and her Christian beliefs guided her throughout her own life. She has left a void that will be felt by many.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years Charlie Miller of Columbus, her son Clay Miller and his partner Xanadu McPherson of Phenix City, Alabama, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was also survived by the family cats, Gray Cat and Clementine, along with her precious rat terrier, Chip.

She was preceded in death by her son Patrick Miller, her mother Rebecca F. Cole, her father William M. Cole, her sisters Rebecca Lynn Barron and Patricia Shellman, and her nephew Christopher Day.

The family requests memorials to the National Fibromyalgia Association, the American Humane Society, or the American Cancer Society. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com