Obituary for Melvin Sylvester Thomas
Deacon Melvin S. Thomas
Surrounded by his loving family, Melvin S. Thomas peacefully transitioned at his residence in New Carrollton, Maryland on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Melvin was the third of 11 children born to the late Mary Magdalene Carter Thomas and Bernard Lee Thomas in Danville, Virginia.
Melvin was baptized at an early age at the East New Hope Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia. He received his early education from the Pittsylvania County School System and graduated from Southside High School in 1966. After attending Virginia State University, he was drafted into the United States Armed Forces Department of the Army in 1971. While in the Army, he was a qualified Sharpshooter and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University.
While attending college at Virginia State University, Melvin met the love of his life, Thelma Marie Williams and they married on April 30, 1977, at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, Virginia. From their union came a son, Richard L. Cheatham and daughter, Candice S. Thomas. The family moved to Maryland where he maintained a long career in restaurant and retail management. After retirement, he worked part-time for Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation at the Enterprise Golf Course.
Melvin was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend with a passion for golf, meticulously maintaining his yard, and trash talking (all in fun!). He enjoyed watching all sports on television, especially the Cleveland Browns, and Sunday dinners. As a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Deanwood, Melvin faithfully served on the Deacon Board, as a member and advisor of The Friendly Fellowship Circle, on the Missionary Ministry, Men’s Ministry, director of The Outreach Center, and volunteered at Pride’s Garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard Lee Thomas and Mary Magdalene Carter Thomas; one nephew Kenneth Brian Kelley.
Melvin is survived and cherished in memory by his former wife, Thelma W. Thomas, son, Richard L. Cheatham, daughter, Candice S. Thomas three grandchildren, Rickicia Cheatham, Donte Hodge, Deonte Hodge six great grandchild Kyleigh Javois , Khyree Javois, Amir Hodge, Anthony Hodge, Taylor Hodge, Kash Hodge and ten sisters, Marilyn, Rebecca, Cynthia, Sharon, Teresa, Linda, Sylvia , Sandra, Bernetta and Barbara Thomas, one niece Nikki Thomas and two nephews Keith Washington and Alphonzo Wooden, two aunts, Ada Gholston and Maggie Carter (Walter), and a special cousin, Adrian Jefferson (Stanley), and a host of other relatives and friends.
Surrounded by his loving family, Melvin S. Thomas peacefully transitioned at his residence in New Carrollton, Maryland on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Melvin was the third of 11 children born to the late Mary Magdalene Carter Thomas and Bernard Lee Thomas in Danville, Virginia.
Melvin was baptized at an early age at the East New Hope Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia. He received his early education from the Pittsylvania County School System and graduated from Southside High School in 1966. After attending Virginia State University, he was drafted into the United States Armed Forces Department of the Army in 1971. While in the Army, he was a qualified Sharpshooter and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University.
While attending college at Virginia State University, Melvin met the love of his life, Thelma Marie Williams and they married on April 30, 1977, at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, Virginia. From their union came a son, Richard L. Cheatham and daughter, Candice S. Thomas. The family moved to Maryland where he maintained a long career in restaurant and retail management. After retirement, he worked part-time for Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation at the Enterprise Golf Course.
Melvin was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend with a passion for golf, meticulously maintaining his yard, and trash talking (all in fun!). He enjoyed watching all sports on television, especially the Cleveland Browns, and Sunday dinners. As a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Deanwood, Melvin faithfully served on the Deacon Board, as a member and advisor of The Friendly Fellowship Circle, on the Missionary Ministry, Men’s Ministry, director of The Outreach Center, and volunteered at Pride’s Garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard Lee Thomas and Mary Magdalene Carter Thomas; one nephew Kenneth Brian Kelley.
Melvin is survived and cherished in memory by his former wife, Thelma W. Thomas, son, Richard L. Cheatham, daughter, Candice S. Thomas three grandchildren, Rickicia Cheatham, Donte Hodge, Deonte Hodge six great grandchild Kyleigh Javois , Khyree Javois, Amir Hodge, Anthony Hodge, Taylor Hodge, Kash Hodge and ten sisters, Marilyn, Rebecca, Cynthia, Sharon, Teresa, Linda, Sylvia , Sandra, Bernetta and Barbara Thomas, one niece Nikki Thomas and two nephews Keith Washington and Alphonzo Wooden, two aunts, Ada Gholston and Maggie Carter (Walter), and a special cousin, Adrian Jefferson (Stanley), and a host of other relatives and friends.