Melinda Ann (Edwards) Solomon-Harris

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.

And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 NLT

Melinda Ann Solomon-Harris, age 71, was born to the late William “Billy” Edwards and Josephine Brown Edwards on June 14th, 1953, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, December 5th, 2024.

Melinda was educated in the Halifax County School System. After graduation, she worked tirelessly to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and nearly completed her Doctorate at East Carolina University, all while raising two sons. She believed it was her life's purpose to instill in her children the importance of education and the value of making a difference in their community.

A staunch advocate for mental health reform, Melinda worked from 1976 to 1986 with the Halifax County Mental Health Center as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She later secured a grant for her nonprofit organization, the John A. Hyman Substance Abuse Program, in Weldon, North Carolina. This program profoundly impacted the lives of many individuals navigating substance abuse and dependency, helping them re-enter society with renewed hope.

Her passion for mental health and love for special needs children led her, in 1986, to become an educator. Melinda taught for many years in the Weldon City and Halifax County School Systems, serving as a teacher, Assistant Principal at William R. Davie Middle School and Northwest Halifax High School, and ultimately as Principal of Southeast High School.

Melinda was a proud, devoted mother, grandmother, educator, historian, and passionate advocate for justice in Halifax County. Her life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and her community.

In 1973, she married the late Alfred L. Solomon, Sr. During their union, they welcomed two sons: Rev. Alfred Solomon, Jr. (Fanisha) of Durham, North Carolina, and Derek Solomon (Ashanta) of Lake Frederick, Virginia. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Jalen, Cierra, Kendall, and Ashton, whom she adored deeply. In 2000, she joined McKinley “Jack” Harris in marriage and later divorced but remained friends until her passing.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents and Alfred Sr. She is survived by her two brothers, Frederick Mason Edwards of Kinsale, Virginia, and Gregory Trent Edwards of Hampton, Virginia, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, a large extended family, countless friends, and her beloved sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Beyond her work in education, Melinda was a fierce advocate for racial justice, dedicating much of her time to community organizations addressing inequalities and uplifting marginalized voices. She was especially passionate about preserving and sharing her family’s history, taking great pride in researching her roots and educating others about the heritage that shaped her and her community. In her spare time, she created and framed Black artwork through her Wilderwood Galleries studio.

She also served as a board member with several agencies, including the North Carolina Council for Women, Halifax County Community Based Alternatives Task Force, Governor's Task Force on Driving While Impaired, and the Halifax County Department of Social Services. She was a Guardian Ad-Litem Volunteer and a former Chairperson for the Halifax County Democratic Executive Committee.

On August 12th, 2023, Melinda was honored with The Sarah Keys Evans Civil Rights Trailblazer Award for her tireless work in social justice. The award was presented by the Honorable Don Davis, Congressman for District 1, and she was one of twenty distinguished recipients.

Melinda’s life was a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of preserving the stories that define our collective journey. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and the many more who will come to learn about the incredible impact she made in her community and beyond.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Solomon-Harris' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mrs. Melinda Ann Solomon-Harris.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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