Martha Odessa Melvin

 Martha Odessa Melvin, began her journey through life on Sunday, May 25, 1930, in the Occoneechee Neck Community of Northampton County, North Carolina.  She  was born to the parentage of the late  George Williams and Katie Bell Hardy Williams.  
      Odessa, as she was called by many, was educated in the Northampton County School System.    Early in life, she accepted Christ, was baptized, and she united in Christian Fellowship with Parker's Chapel Baptist Church., where she was a faithful member; serving in many capacities, including: Church Clerk and Senior Choir member.  She not only sang at Parker's Chapel, but her melodious sounds could be heard at various churches throughout the area.  In addition, she sang with the following music ministries: Antioch Baptist Church, Hills Chapel Baptist Church, The Garysburg Gospel Chorus and others, when asked.  
     For 20 years, Odessa was employed with the Northampton County School System, as a Cafeteria Worker.   During her tenure, she recieved numerous Perfect Attendance Awards, The Appreciation Award (1995 - Seaboard Coates Elementary School) and The Child Nutrition Employee of the Year Award (1992 -1993).  Odessa was not only actively involved in her church and at work, but in the community as well.  She also recieved Certificates of Recognition from Piney Grove Baptist Church and Mount Hope Baptist Church.  
     On January 3, 1948, Odessa united in Holy Matrimony to Wilbert Melvin, Sr.  This union was blessed with seven children.  She was also influential and assisted in the rearing of some of her siblings, the children of Salvador & Louise Cherry and other children in the surrounding area.  Odessa was a sweet, loving, caring and saintly lady.  She possessed poise, grace, and elegance.  She was indeed a lady of exquisite beauty; on both the inside and outside. Odessa was grounded, strong in her faith and very spiritual. She will be sorely missed, but we know her soul now rest in the gentle arms of our Lord and Savior. Her sweet spirit and kind words will forever be cherished in the hearts of those she touched.
     On Monday, April 16, 2018, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Martha Odessa Melvin, peacefully slipped into eternal slumber, at Capital Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded  in  death  by: a  daughter, Shirley  Melvin  and ten siblings,Mamie Person, Clara Mallory, Hazel Williams, George Williams, Jr., Ned Williams, Willie Williams, Barbara Williams, Nathaniel Williams, Lucille William and Esther Williams.   
      Precious memories will forever linger in the hearts of:   her children, Wilbert Melvin, Jr., Matthew Melvin, Eugene Melvin, Alice Hinton, Elaine Gibson (Gregory) and Nelson McCoy Melvin; one brother, Donnell Williams; three generations of grandchildren;   a host of  nieces, nephews, relatives and friends - a special friend, Mary Rose Patterson.
     

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Odessa Melvin, please visit our floral store.