Julia Melinda Eason Stephenson, 82, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely.

Melinda was born December 28, 1943, in Oakland, California, to Perry Edgar Eason and Julia Eason. She was beautiful, spirited, strong-willed, and unforgettable. With her naturally curly brown hair, bright blue eyes, and signature eyelashes, she could light up a room before she ever said a word. Once she did speak, everyone knew exactly where she stood. Melinda was a truth-teller with a quick wit, a generous heart, and a personality far too big to ever be forgotten.

She graduated from Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing in 1973 and devoted much of her life to caring for others as a registered nurse. She possessed both a caregiver's tenderness and a cowgirl's strength. She believed in getting things done and often reminded her family, "Don't worry about the mule — just load the wagon."

Melinda's first marriage was to Wayne Hayes, and together they welcomed her oldest daughter, Tracy. Melinda wanted Wayne's place in Tracy's life and in their family's story to be remembered and recognized.

Melinda later married R.D. Stephenson Jr., M.D., D.V.M., and they shared their lives until his passing in 2013. Together they built a remarkable life filled with family, laughter, music, Texas history, and more than a few unforgettable adventures.

Melinda loved the American Quarter Horse Association, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Garth Brooks, beautiful Cadillacs, and everything connected to the great state of Texas — especially her beloved Texas Longhorns. She had a deep appreciation for Texas history and Native American artifacts and proudly volunteered at Alibates Flint Quarries. Melinda never simply observed life; she rode straight into it, usually with a good story, a strong opinion, and plenty of style.

She is survived by her daughters, Tracy K. Nelson and husband Eric, Ali Errington and husband Elvis, Meredith Stephenson, and Julia Chloe Stephenson; her grandchildren, Colter Mast, Crae Stephenson, and Cash Stephenson; and her great-granddaughters, Romni, Rummy, and Amiri.

She is also survived by her sister, Jean Cantu and husband Roland; her nephew, Robert Hall and wife Rachel; her niece, Julia Jean MarieTruelock; her nephews, William and Travis Tiemann; and her great-niece, Rebecca Hall; and many other relatives and friends whose lives were made brighter, funnier, and far more interesting because Melinda was in them.

Melinda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, R.D. Stephenson Jr., M.D., D.V.M.; her parents, Perry Edgar Eason and Julia Eason; and her sister, Susan Tiemann.

Her family will forever remember her courage, humor, loyalty, and unmistakable way of making every gathering feel like an occasion. She taught them to tell the truth, stand their ground, take care of one another, and keep loading the wagon, no matter what life placed in the way.

Melinda's life was grand, colorful, and entirely her own. She believed in letting the good times roll, and she certainly knew how to make them roll. The trail ahead may be beyond our sight, but we know Melinda rode into it with courage, grace, and a little Texas sparkle.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Power Church in Amarillo. Following the service, the family will gather at 2501 Polk Street in Amarillo.

Those wishing to honor Melinda's memory may make a donation to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, whose care and compassion brought comfort to Melinda and her family during her final days or to the Texas Panhandle Nurse Honor Guard, P.O. Box 50082, Amarillo, TX  79159.