Melinda Ward

Melinda Dawn Ward, 57, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 Saturday, July 11, 2026 in the Noe-Brooks Funeral Home chapel.  

Born on February 16, 1969, at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City to her strong, independent mother, Geneva, Melinda was a well-behaved daughter and granddaughter who enjoyed helping her mother and grandmother, and a beloved niece who cherished spending time with her aunt Carol. Melinda devoted her life to serving others. After graduating from West Carteret High School in 1987, she answered her calling in emergency medical services by volunteering with Broad & Gales Creek EMS. She served her community faithfully for nearly 35 years and proudly held the position of Chief of EMS Rescue from 2008 to 2022 and being the last chief of the rescue station. In addition to her volunteer work, Melinda spent nearly 30 years as a Unit Coordinator in the Emergency Department at Carteret General Hospital, where she was deeply respected for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Outside of her work, Melinda enjoyed Thursday evenings singing karaoke at Bogue Sound Distillery and making memories with her beloved companion, Rob, at the Moose Lodge in Swansboro. She was known for her gift of baking beautiful cakes, preparing delicious meals, and creating sweet treats that brought family and friends together, especially during the holidays. Her kitchen was always filled with love, laughter, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.

Melinda will be remembered for her generous heart, tireless work ethic, and steadfast dedication to helping others. Through her service, kindness, and friendship, she touched countless lives. Whether responding to an emergency, caring for patients, or sharing a meal with loved ones, she always placed others before herself. Her legacy of compassion and community service will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her mother, Betty Geneva Ward, of the home; her loving companion, Robert Newkirk III, of the home; her nephew, Andrew Pelletier (Jeff) of Morehead City; her sister-in-law, Nancy Pelletier of Morehead City; her cousins, Ashton and Penelope Ward of Beaufort, Julie Hathaway (Todd) of Hope Mills, and Kyle Garner of Beaufort; and her five beloved feline companions, who brought her endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Myrtle Lee Ward; her brother, Richard Pelletier; her uncles, Derryl Garner, David Ward, and Donny Ward; her aunts, Carol Ward, Betty Jo Ward, and Jane Garner; and numerous beloved cousins.

Melinda’s family takes comfort in knowing that her remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and love will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.