Melinda Weber Johnson Belyeu

Mrs. Melinda Weber Belyeu entered into eternal peace on Sunday, June 11, 2023 in the loving company of her family at home. She was 71 years old. Melinda was the first of six children, born November 15th 1951 in New Orleans to Robert L. Weber & Rosemary Carriere Weber. “Meme,” as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, was cherished for her bright personality, charisma and joyful spirit. Melinda graduated from John McDonogh High School in 1969 and attended University of New Orleans. She spent many years working in Sales at various companies such as Freeport Macmoran, Xerox, and Gambit Publications; but her true passion was using the green thumb she inherited from her father and working in her beautiful garden. In 1984, Melinda began her most important chapter in life, becoming a mother and welcoming her daughter, Tiffany Shanelle, with her first husband Stepney L. Johnson. After years in Dallas, Melinda returned back to live in New Orleans where she would remain and flourish. Life would bring joy out of pain for Melinda following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. While rebuilding her home, she formed a lasting bond of love and then married her surviving husband, Willie Mason Belyeu, Jr. Melinda and Willie blended their families and would often travel to Willie’s hometown Montgomery, Alabama to spend time with family and friends. Melinda was baptized at the Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church as a young child and remained a devoted Christian throughout her life. She was a member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the Women's Choir and being a part of the sewing ministry. Among her other passions were dancing to Southern Soul music, attending local festivals, playing Scrabble, and cooking for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother in law, Ida Woods and sister-in- law, Maureen Weber. Melinda is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Sonaram (Dayalan Sonaram), grandchildren Dez and Daya Sonaram, husband Willie Mason Jr., children-in-love through marriage Michelle Belyeu, Sonya Lankford (Victor Lankford), Cassandra Belyeu, Theresa Boykin (Julian Boykin), Willie Mason Belyeu III (Nechune Belyeu), Darryl Salary (LaShawn Salary) and Damon Belyeu (Margie Belyeu). Siblings Sharon Belyeu (Harold Belyeu), Robert Weber Jr. (Gilda Weber), Diane George (RickyGeorge), Michael Weber (Janice Weber) and Gerard Weber, sister-in-law Bess Zeigler (Henry Zeigler). Aunt Audrey Stewart (Cornelius Stewart), Aunt Clothilde Briscoe, William Carriere (Edna Carrier), a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren-in-love, godchildren and friends. The family asks that you think of Melinda the next time you’re planting a vibrant colored flower or admiring a beautiful palm tree. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by a service of celebration at 10:00 AM. Repast will take place in the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Gallery following the service. Final arrangements entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.