Melinda (Whalley) Schneider

Melinda Whalley Schneider, Widely known as the "Yellow Bow Lady" 

Melinda Whalley Schneider, affectionately known throughout her community as the “Yellow Bow Lady,” passed away on June 13, 2026. She was born on October 17, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Jonathan and Naomi Akins Whalley. She graduated from Savannah High School in 1961.

Melinda was deeply civic-minded and devoted much of her life to serving her community through volunteerism and civic leadership. She was widely respected for her commitment to veterans, local organizations, and public service.

Her leadership and service included roles and affiliations such as:

DAV Auxiliary Unit 46, Past Commander

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 789, Associate Member

Hinesville Military Affairs Committee, Secretary and Hospitality Chairperson  

Board Member, Veterans Memorial at Bryant Commons

Liberty County, Georgia Republican Party Secretary

“Marne Rock Star” at Fort Stewart

Red Cross Wynn Army Hospital, Volunteer

Liberty Board of Elections Member

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Billy Whalley; her son, Tommy Burke; and her former spouse, Thomas Burke.

She is survived by her husband, PJ Schneider; her children, Jacky Burke, Heather Graham, Daniel Schneider, Robert Schneider, and Becky Busby; as well as her grandchildren, Chadia Savas, Aaron Burke, Michael Burke, Mitchell Burke, Emily Graham, Lorelei Graham, Kelsey Busby, and Kristina Busby; and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27th, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Flemington, Georgia with Pastor Tim Byler officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

You will be able to view the livestream of Melinda’s service beginning at 2:00 pm from the funeral home’s facebook page. 

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements. 

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