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Narrative Summary
Interview with Melinda Puckett by Haley Frizzle
Melinda Puckett was born and raised in the Ozarks. She grew up in a small town in
Missouri called Reeds Springs with her two siblings and her father. Melinda didn’t have much of
a religious influence growing up, when talking to her about her childhood she could only recall
going to vacation bible school for a short amount of time. She said that her parents were not
religious what-so-ever but before her grandmother passed away she was exposed to the
Pentecostal bible school. As she grew older religion was not part of her life nor was it part of her
family’s. She explained to me that in her early twenties she explored other world religions by
reading books and doing research in her spare time but realized none of those were the right fit
for her. It wasn’t until years later, when tragedy struck home, that she began connecting herself
with God. When her younger brother was sentenced to prison she didn’t know where to turn, but
this actually became a blessing in disguise. Not only did her brother strengthen his faith while in
prison, but he inspired Melinda to strengthen hers as well.
As time went on Melinda met other inspiring individuals throughout her life. She told me
one of the most important influences was her best friend Harveda. Harveda invited her to Hope
Church in Springfield, Missouri where she later became baptized. Unfortunately Harveda was
diagnosed with cancer and died in 2012. Melinda told me this event really took her back and
made her stray away from her faith. Fortunately Melinda’s religious journey wasn’t over. She
was invited to another church, Evangel Temple, where she said she felt that it was more diverse
and genuine than the churches she’s been to and really felt at home. One main reason was their
outreach program called Inner City Outreach. Inner City is an outreach program that not only
provides meals to the homeless and poverty stricken citizens of Springfield, but they hand
Missouri State University
Semester 2015
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women
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deliver groceries, supply clothes, shoes, backpacks for children, as well as spiritual needs. I
asked her why she left her original church and she said it was a combination of it reminding her
of her best friend that she had lost as well as not fitting in. Melinda explained to me that she
never felt at home in an organized church setting, so when she found a program that incorporates
church service and volunteering she knew that’s where she belonged.
Hearing her speak about the work she does with Inner City, I can tell she is extremely
passionate about it. She believes she would not be where she is today if it weren’t for God
calling her to use her faith to help her community. Although half of her life had no religious
influence, Melinda was inspired by different individuals who helped strengthen her faith and
kept her on her religious journey. She’s been through many struggles but dedicates her strength
to God and couldn’t be happier using her faith to help others.
Missouri State University
Semester 2015
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women