Melvin Greene

The Life of Melvin Greene

“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” Psalm 23:1

Melvin Greene of Hampton, Virginia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born to the late Raleigh Greene, Sr. and Gertrude Johnson in Isle of Wight, Virginia. 

He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Mamie Greene; uncle and aunt James A. Greene, Sr. and Norman Greene; and brother Raleigh Greene, Jr.

From the age of six weeks, Melvin was raised by his uncle and aunt, the late James A. Sr. and Norman Greene of Ivor, Virginia.

He attended public schools of Isle of Wight County and graduated from Westside High School in the class of 1969. In 1970, Melvin was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Military Policeman. During his service, he was stationed overseas in Germany. After his discharge, he attended an art school to become a cartoonist in Maryland. Melvin was employed at Gwaltney and Smithfield Foods and retired from Massimo Zanetti Beverage Company.

He was baptized at an early age of twelve at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Years later, he rededicated himself to the Lord and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church regularly until his health began to decline.

Melvin was very meticulous about everything he did especially how he dressed. He loved to have a good time whenever he was with his friends: Beverly, Bernice, and Rick. He loved fishing, whom he often shared with his life-long friend, Will Newby. Melvin always had a robust appetite which his friends and family often observed. He would tinker with any and everything and was known by all as a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory: sisters, Ruth Ackerman of Brooklyn, New York, Delores Robinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ruby Greene of Suffolk, Virginia; adopted sisters Barbara Allen and Jeanette Dunn (Ruben) of Norfolk, Virginia; brothers, James Robinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James A. Greene, Jr. (Wilhelmina) of Richmond, Virginia, adopted brother Theodore Joyner (Roberta) of Windsor, Virginia; sister-in-law Mary Greene of Hampton, Virginia; aunts Beatrice Green, Laura Diggs (Carver), Alease Greene, Shirlene Greene, Roxie Greene, Mary Green and Barbara Jordan; god-child, Dana Hamlin (Ivan) and her children, Tyler and Christopher of Suffolk, Virginia; a devoted cousin, Kim Green (Stephanie) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Interment will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  Please keep the Greene family in your prayers.