Melinda "Mimi" Kay Grissom

Melinda “Mimi” Kay Grissom, 64, of New Palestine, IN, passed away peacefully in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 9, 2025 after her courageous journey with cancer, while hand in hand with her daughter and granddaughter at Vineyard Assisted Living Community.

Melinda was born on January 8, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Benton and June Kemp. She later graduated from Center Grove High School and studied at Lipscomb University in Tennessee before returning to Indiana to work closely with her father at his State Farm Insurance agency. Melinda cherished the opportunity to work alongside her family.

On October 1, 1988, Melinda married the love of her life, Tim Grissom. Together, they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around faith and family. They were blessed with one daughter and two beloved grandchildren, whom Melinda adored dearly.

Melinda was very family oriented. She treasured every moment spent with her siblings, extended family, and friends. Annual family trips to Norris Lake in Tennessee were filled with cherished memories, laughter, and love. Holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, were special times for her as she joyfully gathered with her loved ones, and always prepared her renowned roasted turkey for dozens of family members. She was an incredible cook. 

Music played an integral role in Melinda’s life. She loved attending concerts, whether it was a symphony, a Christian group, or The Eagles. Melinda was an extraordinary singer and she even traveled with a band in her younger years. Beyond music, Melinda’s creative spirit was shown through her love of sewing and crafting blankets that brought warmth and comfort to her family. She was also an avid Colts fan, never missing an opportunity to cheer on her team.

Melinda’s faith played a huge role in her life. She walked closely with the Lord, and He guided her through all of life’s challenges. Despite her battle with cancer, she spent every Sunday she was able to in church, finding strength and comfort in her faith and fellowship. Melinda knew every chorus and you could always hear her beautiful voice singing praises to God. Melinda’s legacy of love, strength, and kindness lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. She was a woman of faith, and showed God’s love to everyone she met.

Left to remember her memory is her husband, Tim Grissom; her daughter, Katheryn Ganton, and son-in-law, Seth Ganton; her grandchildren, Hayes and Zara Ganton; her siblings, David Kemp, Laurie (Mike) Coop, and Christian (Tracy) Kemp; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and her dearest friends, Pam Crum and Betsy Chandler. Melinda is preceded in death by her parents, Benton and June Kemp.

A memorial service to celebrate Melinda’s life will be held on January 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 2:30 PM, at Indian Creek Christian Church, 6430 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46259. Enter at door #1 to the chapel.

Flowers may be delivered to the church at door #1 between 12:30PM and 2:30PM on the day of the service.

To honor Melinda’s memory, please visit her memorial webpage at https://www.Langelands.com to share condolences and fond memories with her family.