Melinda J. Colp's Obituary
MELINDA J. COLP, 56
Stryker Medical
LAKELAND - Melinda Johnson Colp, 56, of Lakeland, passed away at home on Sunday, October. 19, 2014, due to possible myocardial infarction. Melinda was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she attended school, and raised her family before moving to Lakeland in 2003. She then continued with her education and earned her Master's Degree in Business Administration. She worked as a technical writer for Stryker Medical, was a dedicated volunteer and team leader (Team Will) with MADD Polk County, she had a passion for helping less fortunate or abused children, she was active in Life Leadership, enjoyed bowling, playing softball and spending quality time with family and friends. Melinda was preceded in death by her father Robert Johnson, and nephew William Pennock. She is survived by her husband James Colp; her mother Vernia Temple (Thomas); her two sons Alan Devine (Savannah), David Devine (Rachel); her two daughters Shanee Wasmund (Allen), Shelli Beard (Bryan); her four sisters Connie Johnson, Kathleen Pennock (Don), Tondra Hall, Amy Johnson (Ismael); her two brothers Robert Johnson (Doris), Michael Johnson; her ten grandchildren: Gavin, Connor, Emma, Sophie, Ana, Alex, Allen, Allyssa, Anna, James; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who all loved her dearly.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, 3350 Mall Hill Dr., Lakeland, on Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The burial will take place Monday at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell at 10:00 am and a memorial service will take place at 3:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 6920 N. Socrum Loop Rd., Lakeland.
In lieu of flowers we ask you to please donate to the following organizations in Melinda's honor: MADD Polk County by donating to www.walklikemadd.org/polk , or 5337 Socrum Loop Rd., Suite 252, Lakeland, Florida 33809, Heartland for Children by donating to www.heartlandforchildren.org , or 1239 E. Main Street Bartow, Florida, 33830. If you knew Melinda, you know this would make her smile much more than flowers.
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