Melvin Johnson

Melvin Johnson, our beloved hero, was born on January 23, 1949, and passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln Johnson and Izola Johnson Hamilton. Melvin’s formative years were marked by the love and guidance of his family, which helped shape his character and values. Melvin proudly celebrated his 50th class reunion, having graduated in 1969 from the historic West Charlotte High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy reserves before fully enlisting and serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. He completed his military service with an honorable discharge after six years, which remained one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1966, while still in high school, Melvin began working at Sears, Roebuck, and Company as an electrical appliance serviceman apprentice. After returning from the military in 1974, he resumed his position at Sears, where he worked for more than 40 years. Upon retirement, Melvin devoted his time to assisting his beloved sister Ann in caring for their cherished mother. Never one to rest, Melvin continued working as a service technician entrepreneur, serving thousands of clients up until the day he passed away. Even now, the phone continues to ring with requests for his expert assistance. He took pride in mentoring his close friends, Ron and Reg, maintaining regular contact and offering guidance. Melvin was the proud parent of three loving and adoring children: Marcus Anthony Belk (Tracy), Yolonda Johnson, and Tawana Johnson McIver (Roderick Todd). Though heartbroken by his loss, his children continue to cherish the sound of his voice, his witty remarks, silly antics, and the warmth of his wisdom. His sister, Annie Johnson Colvin—his best friend and road companion—alongside Melvin, cherished the memories of their three brothers: Clement, Johnnie Claude, and John Thomas Johnson. Aunt Ann and Melvin spoke on the phone several times a day, took annual trips to their birthplace of Washington County, Georgia, and bi-annual trips for apple picking. Annie’s son, Larry, was Melvin’s favorite nephew. For over 30 years, Barbara Butta-Smalls was Melvin’s loving and gentle partner, bringing comfort and joy—easy like Sunday mornings—into his life. In addition to his three children, Melvin leaves behind three grandsons: Marcus Anthony Belk, Jr., Daymeyun (Mishonda), and Jeremiah; three great-grandsons: Ah’mari, Makari, and Tristan; and special cousins who were like siblings—LH Johnson (Creola), Lucy, Luerene, Mattie, and Cynthia. His legacy is further enriched by a host of nieces, nephews, a close childhood friend Harry, and other friends and neighbors who will forever treasure his memory. Devoted to family and the legacy left by his mother, Melvin has not missed a Benson-Hudson family reunion for more than three decades, often the first to register he, his kids, and his sister for the bi-annual event. Everyone knows that if there’s a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or stove in heaven waiting to be repaired, Melvin is already on it. We just wish he could have stayed a little longer to mend all the broken hearts left behind.

Melvin Johnson

January 23, 1949 - November 1, 2025