Rev. Dr. Melvin Rose Obituary (1952 - 2018)

ROSE, Rev. Dr. Melvin Lee, was born on Wednesday, October 15, 1952, in Richmond, Va., the youngest child of the late Inez Rose. He departed this life on Monday, September 17, 2018, at the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Va. Dr. Rose was a graduate of Armstrong High School. After high school, he went on to receive his undergraduate degree in instrumental music from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, a M.Ed. with a concentration in guidance and counseling from South Carolina State College, a professional leadership certification from Virginia State University, credentialed as an Educational Turnaround Specialist from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a Doctorate of Divinity from Infinity Bible Seminary in Richmond, Va. He was baptized at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., at an early age. After returning to Richmond in the early '90s, he united with Spring Creek Baptist Church, where he received his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1996 and was licensed into the ministry at Spring Creek in August 2000. While at Spring Creek, he served as the ministry leader of the New Member's Orientation, The Summer Enrichment Program, providing scholastic and Christian activities for more than 60 youth in the church during the summer months and fulfilling his role as an Associate Minister. In 2007, he was chosen to be the Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Amelia County, Va., where he was serving proudly at the time of his passing. Dr. Rose had an incredible passion for young people and turning boys into men. He coached on the college level at several different schools, including South Carolina State University, Livingstone College, Williams College, Hampton University, Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. He also worked in the Richmond Public School System, serving in as administrative assistant, in-school suspension coordinator, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal and mentor at several area schools. In 2008, he joined the Amelia County Public School System, serving as principal of Amelia County High School and later transitioned to the School Board Office, where he retired in March 2015 as the Interim Assistant Superintendent and Director of Instruction and Human Resources. After retirement, he returned to service in education part-time with J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College as a life skills coach for high school students in Richmond Public Schools. As a distinguished and outstanding leader and dedicated Christian, his diverse talents and tireless efforts earned him several accolades. He was honored in 2006 as one of 200 U.S. citizens of Distinguished Leadership and Volunteerism by President George W. Bush. He was recognized by Mt. Gilead Baptist Church for his support and spiritual guidance of the young men of the George Wythe High School football team in 2007. In 2011, Dr. Rose was honored by his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, Inc., as their Man of The Year for his dedication as the Phi Phi Chapter Chaplain and spiritual leader. In 2014, Dr. Rose received the honor of Man of the Year by the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club in Clarksville, Va. Most recently, he was inducted into the Armstrong High School Athletics Hall of Fame, where he was an outstanding football player. Also, in March 2018, he was recognized by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) for his work as the Offensive Coordinator of the 1985 Hampton University Championship Football Team. He was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Rose; and his brother, Milton (Dusty) Rose. He leaves to cherish precious memory his devoted and loving wife, Vicky A. Rose; two daughters, Tara N. Davenport of Miami, Fla. and Nia M. Rose of Orlando, Fla.; one brother, James Rose of Sumpter, S.C.; one loyal sister, Emma Branch (Milton) of Richmond, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Christine Brown (Eddie) of Mechanicsville, Va. and Mary Walker of Newport News, Va.; two brothers-in-law, Glen Taylor (Denise) and Gilbert Taylor, both of Hampton, Va.; and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted children, godchildren, cousins, dedicated friends, fraternity brothers and the entire congregation of the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street. Family will receive friends Friday, September 21, 2018, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 13300 Mt Olive Lane, Amelia Courthouse, Va., from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 5130 Woolridge Rd., 11 a.m. Interment Maury Cemetery.