Melinda Joy Rainwater

Melinda Joy Rainwater, 71, of Athens, Georgia died on April 23,2026. 

Born September 12, 1954 to the late Clay W. and Joyce Lambert Rainwater in Newnan. She graduated from Athens High/Clarke Central High School and studied English at UGA. Having grown up in and around the various family restaurants in Grantville, Newnan, LaGrange, and Athens, GA, Melinda spent most of her life in the food industry. She worked as cook/manager at Lanier Gardens, then eventually as manager of the beloved Steverino’s in Athens for more than 30 years. Melinda was like a mother to hundreds of young people who worked at Steverino’s throughout the years, before retiring to care for her own mother. She was a member of Hope Springs Christian Fellowship of Athens and was actively involved in their food ministry. Melinda was a great animal lover and always had a dog, cat, or both. She enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years hiking and camping with friends. An avid music fan, “Melvis” loved Ralph Roddenbery, Twain, Jimmy Buffet and of course, Elvis. She always cheered for the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. Many stories were told about watching football games from the railroad tracks way back when. Melinda had a certain fondness for chickens, cardinals and Christmas lights/decorations and collected many related items.

She is survived by sister Judy Davis, niece Katherine Hieronymus (Benjamin Morison), great-niece Evelyn Morison, all of the Princeton, New Jersey area, and many loving friends and neighbors. Her cats, Webster and Winnie Wade, are being very well taken care of.

 Donations may be made in her name to Hope Springs Outreach Center at 1025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606.

A Celebration of Life will be held “On Golden Pond,” as Melinda called it: Thompson Farm, 1505 Morton Rd, Athens, GA 30605 on Saturday, May 16 from 3-5pm. Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Friends are asked to bring sides or desserts.