Brenda H. Melvin

Brenda (our beloved Cal short for Caledonia) Eulalia Howlett Melvin entered into eternal rest on March 21, 2022, at Johnston Willis Hospital. She was born on June 28, 1945, to the late Collins Hobart Howlett, Jr. and Portia Logan Howlett. She was the granddaughter of late Collins, Sr. and Lavinia Johnson Howlett and John and Eva Armstead Logan. Brenda was preceded in death by her siblings, Jacquelin Howlett Thornton, John Logan Howlette, Collins H. Howlett, III and Millard Philmore Howlette. She was a native of South Richmond, VA and was a true "Southsidian". She was baptized at an early age at Swansboro Baptist Church and now a member of First Baptist Church South Richmond. At Swansboro she was a member of the Gospel Chorus as a teenager, was a Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and Vacation Bible School teacher. As an adult member of First Baptist Church; she was a member of the Book Club and recruited all of her friends and family to watch virtual services during the pandemic to ensure that they were actively worshipping.

Brenda was educated in Richmond Public Schools. She attended Blackwell Elementary and Jr. High and Armstrong High School where she graduated in 1963. Brenda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from her beloved Virginia Union University in 1968 where she was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta sorority and is currently an active member of the VUU Athletic Booster Association. She received a Master of Arts in Guidance Counseling from Virginia State University. Mrs. Melvin was an elementary teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools. During her tenure was named Teacher of the Year. She spent most of her employment at Southampton Elementary School. Mrs. Melvin loved her students as her own and served as an outstanding mentor and role model to all of her students. Throughout her career, her infectious love for education has impacted every student and person she encountered. Her keen intellect, graceful style and compassionate love for others will live in our hearts forever. As a lifetime member of Richmond Education Association, Virginia Education Association, and the National Education Association she continued her advocacy of students and the education profession. She retired after 33 years of dedicated service to Richmond Public Schools.

Cal was a loving, devoted, and supportive wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She spent her days and nights encouraging and caring for others. Nothing was truer than one of her favorite activities to "celebrate everything". She celebrated everything and everyone. She was a ray of sunshine and joy to all family gatherings, vacations, and holiday celebrations especially her annual and beloved CIAA Tournament as well as several Tom Joyner cruises to support her beloved HBCU's. Cal was an absolute Angel here on earth!

Brenda leaves to cherish her memories; a devoted husband, Matthew L. Melvin, Sr., children, Matthew L. Melvin, Jr. (Sonia) and MiVida Melvin Parham (Herbert), grandchildren; Herbert O. Parham, II and Joya Gabrielle Melvin, Elizabeth Ruffin, Justin Ruffin, Sierra Richards, Schuyler Hogan, great grands, Kengsley Hunter and Luka Hunter, sisters; Portia Howlett Turner and Eva Howlett Williams, brother-in-law, Anthony Melvin, Sr. sister-in-law, Phyllis M. Stewart. Her memory will also be cherished by devoted friends, "The Posse", Mary Brown, Bertha Carter, and Barbara Petty and childhood friends, Evelyn "Wilnette" Edwards Bradshaw, Sandra Hunt Jones, and Vashti Mallory along with her beloved Blackwell Friends, Richmond Education Association Retired Teachers, Armstrong Class of '63 and the host of neighbors, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, bonus children and grandchildren. Cal never met a stranger.

Cal is physically no longer with us, but her kindness and love will forever live on in the hearts of all of her family and friends.

"Be Still and Know That I am God"...Psalms 46:10

Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 3-5 PM at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11 Am at First Baptist Church (South Richmond), 1501 Decatur St. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.