Melinda Jean Eddards Walsh

Melinda Jean Eddards Walsh–a creative, soulful, accomplished force of nature in the Capital Region and beyond–left this earthly plane on March 24, 2026, after a sudden, short illness.

She was born in 1958 to Miles LeRoy and Willie B. (Courtney) Eddards in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up there along with her younger sister, Claire, until her family moved in 1972 to Gautier, Mississippi, where she attended eighth and ninth grades. This time was pivotal for Melinda, since Ingalls Shipyard brought many employees and their families from California. Exposure to newcomers with fresh and open-minded perspectives led her to feel like she had finally found her tribe. When her father was offered a new employment opportunity, the family moved back to Louisiana and settled in Denham Springs.

Melinda enrolled at LSU in interior design, but later shifted to mass communications, where she became DJ Lois Lane at then-WLSU. After graduation, her wide–ranging interests drove an early recognition that she needed to become an independent business owner. Her career encompassed radio, national voice talent work, the film industry (both in front of and behind the camera), strategic consulting, civic service, and award-winning marketing. Melinda was a driving force in the establishment of the Baton Rouge Film Commission, which helped the city become a major player in the southern film industry. She was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and is listed on IMDB for her acting roles. In addition, she was a published author, a keynote speaker, a certified ontological coach, a mentor to many, an ordained minister/officiant, and an avid runner/half-marathoner.

Melinda was a relentless learner, always striving for growth in her professional, personal, and spiritual pursuits. A voracious reader, she delighted in the new Southdowns Branch library, which she suspected was built just for her. She was also a fixture in the Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade’s “Dancing Girls,” spreading illuminated joy and killer dance moves throughout the neighborhood that she adored.

Melinda’s life was marked by creativity, positivity, and a desire to make her community and the world a better place. She was especially attuned to the thoughtful use of language and to the stories that shape–and have the power to transform–our lives. Her profound impact is reflected in the vast network of deep friendships she formed across so many different circles. She truly lit up every room and heart she entered and leaves behind a legacy of light.

She is dearly missed by her husband of 12 years, Thomas Naylor; sister, Claire Doucet; niece, Jennifer Doucet; nephew, Brandon Eddards; grandniece, Alexa Lesage; her “bonus” children, Amanda Enete, Amy Champagne, and Matthew and Taylor Naylor; and her grandchildren, Rue Champagne, Isabella Champagne, Via Champagne, Jacob Enete, Ella Enete, Emily Enete, and Chloe Enete.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to her beloved East Baton Rouge Parish Library at https://poplebrpl.org/ through Patrons of the Public Library (tax-deductible), or to support advocacy efforts through the EBR Library PAC (not tax-deductible) at https://givebutter.com/ebr-library-pac.

A celebration of Melinda’s life will be held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church,12663 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, May 9, at 5 PM.