Melinda Antonucci-Hickson

Melinda Laura Antonucci-Hickson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly during the morning of February 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Melinda was born August 31, 1963, in Houston, Texas to Milford and Margie Carpenter, both of whom welcomed her into heaven along with her son, Gary Antonucci and sister, Margo Nash. Melinda was a woman dedicated to God and her family, often bringing the two together. She was known for her intuition of when her loved ones needed a pick-me-up and would often send daily scriptures that she felt that special person needed at the time. One of Melinda's mottos for living her life in a way that honors her savior was “keep faith and give it to God”. Melinda used the strength that God gave her to instill confidence, positivity, and love for others into the hearts of her children. Melinda's home was always a safe place for her family friends, she was more than glad to open her heart to those who were in need of some extra love. At the time of her son's passing, Melinda had taken guardianship over her granddaughter, Ashley. The two had formed a special bond and Ashley was another daughter to Melinda. Melinda’s career as a caregiver allowed her to spread her love to the community including someone that was dear to her, Jimmy, who she had attended to for 15 years.While Melinda did have an open heart to all, she didn't play around and had no problem setting the record straight! She had a heart of gold but fists of steel! Melinda unexpectedly met the love of her life, Larry Hickson, while working at the Handy Mart convenience store in 1993. It was love at first sight, the two were soulmates and their favorite thing to do together was dance. It touched Melinda's heart that Larry was the kind of man to take in her children and love them as his own. In 1996, the couple welcomed their first child together, Karlee, and continued to build their lives together for 31 years. Melinda was the matriarch of her family, often hosting all the family functions and making sure every holiday was appropriately celebrated. She made sure that her grandchildren always felt special by giving them Nawna days and planning camping trips. Melinda's family was her everything, there was a time in her life where she had to travel across the country and pull some strings to get her kids back into her care, but she would move mountains time and time again for her loved ones. A cherished memory that her children share together is the time that she had a job at the school’s cafeteria that her children attended to keep an eye on them; the kids were very excited about the free milks and muffins that came with it. Melinda leaves behind a legacy of love to be honored by her family. She is survived by her husband, Larry Hickson, her children: Steven Antonucci and wife, Sabrina, Crystal Whitley and husband, Brian, Karlee Hickson, and Jeff Hickson; grandchildren: Nicolas, Keith, Lucas, Caden, Allison, Kailee, Jane, Kyleigh, Kameryn, Eyrka, Mikala and Ashley; brothers: Marcus Carpenter and Malcom Carpenter; sisters: Monica Behl and Marchella Carpenter as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends. A Funeral Service/Sharetime Gathering will be held from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Max Slayton Funeral Chapel in Terrell, Texas. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

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Melinda Antonucci-Hickson

August 31, 1963 - February 9, 2025