Obituary

Melinda Horsford passed away at home August 14, 2021. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Hale Center. Burial will follow in Center Plains Cemetery in Cotton Center under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at the funeral home.

Melinda Leigh was born on November 25, 1957 in Lubbock, Texas to Donald and Dean Huffaker.

Melinda grew up in Abernathy where she graduated from Abernathy High School in 1976 and was a member of the National Honor Society, sports, and 4H. She met Tommy, the love of her life, in Abernathy on bus number 5. After graduation she followed Tommy to South Plains College where she got her M. R. S. degree and married her soulmate of 44 years.

Melinda went to work at the bank in Abernathy, where she and Tommy settled after they were married. Two years later they moved to Cotton Center where their first child Wes was born in 1980. Two years later they were blessed with another boy – Jared. A year later, they moved into what has been their home for the last 38 years in Hale Center.

Melinda worked at the bank in Hale Center for a few years, served as a substitute teacher and, in 1991, she went back to school for her manicure license. Shortly after Melinda and Linda, who became one of her dearest friends, opened their first shop together doing hair and nails. They later moved down the street and opened their second shop, Hand in Hand, a home and gift shop that served the Hale Center community for more than 20 years. After retiring from her shop, she took on the title of CEO and CFO of Horsford Farms. None of Tommy’s employees before or since have torn up as much farm equipment.

Her children Wes and Jared meant the world to her. She dove into leading the local 4H club, the athletic booster club, church groups, and any team that her sons were involved in. Between Melinda and Tommy, they ensured any kid who wanted to be involved in an organization would have a place and be able to get there. She fed countless teenage boys before, after, and during their sports events. Melinda was a second mom to many young boys and girls throughout the community.

After having a life full of boys, she got her first daughter in 2005 when Wes married Laura. Her second daughter, Pshigoda, came in 2010 when they met on a Walk to Emmaus Melinda was leading. In 2011, she took on probably her most treasured role as Lindy when Kyle and Will were born. As more grandchildren came, Lindy welcomed each one with open arms. Throughout the years, her grandchildren came each summer for farm camp – the highlight of their summers. All 4 of her grandchildren were able to spend almost 3 weeks with her at the end of this summer. She had a very special relationship with all her grandchildren.

She was a leader within the First Baptist Church in Hale Center, leading bible studies, serving meals for funerals and participating in Meals on Wheels. Melinda was an inspiration for many when she led Walk to Emmaus number 70.

Melinda was a staple in the community. She served on the school board for 12 consecutive years, leading the board when the new Hale Center High school was built. In 2008, she and Tommy were recognized by the Hale Center Chamber of Commerce as the Farm Family of the Year.

She was one of the most creative people most people have ever met. Melinda never did anything half-way; everything was done to be the best it could be. From decorating for a school play or banquet, to giving gifts or decorating her home, everything she did was done with the greatest of detail and the only way to describe it was beautiful. Her yard and garden have always been something to be admired.

She never held back with her affection or feelings. You always knew how loved you were when you with her. Melinda was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and community member. She will be truly missed by all who loved her.

Her pride and joy include her husband, Tommy Horsford of Hale Center; her children, Wes and Laura Horsford of Smyrna, GA, Jared Horsford of Lubbock, her other child, Linda Pshigoda of Hale Center; her mother, Dean Huffaker of Abernathy; her brother, Rodney Huffaker of Lubbock, TX; her sister, Donna Brauchi and her husband Ronnie of Pampa; her mother-in-law, Wanda Horsford of Hale Center and her four grandchildren, Will, Kyle, Lane and Greg Horsford.

The family suggest memorials to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, 2474 Walnut Street PMP 331, Cary, NC 27518 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 396, Hale Center, TX 79041.