Melvin Johnson

Mr. Melvin Johnson, 81 of Cartersville, Georgia passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022  at his residence surrounded by his loving family. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00AM at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 147 Jones Street, Cartersville, Georgia 30120. The body will lie in state in the church from 10:00AM until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 790 Indian Mounds Road SE, Cartersville, Georgia 30120. The family will have Repast at The First Presbyterian Church, 183 West Main Street, Cartersville, Georgia 30120. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of bereavement.

Due to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines , physical distancing practices will be in place, and MASK ARE REQUIRED for those that will be admitted to the service. The family is the main concern during this time of bereavement and space will be limited. We have to ensure the family is able to attend the service, so there is a possibility of some friends not being admitted. However, the service will be LIVE-STREAMED.

Silently the shades of evening gathered around, the lonely door They bring together, faces we shall see no more!

Once again the rays of Morning sun of May 1st, 2022 scattered its beams and carried away our, dear one. He was a husband, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend. For Melvin, as he was known by his family and friends, life had its beginning on September 24th, 1940 in Cartersville, Georgia (Haytown area) where he was born to the late Nancy Mae Riles Johnson and the late Hazel Freeman Sr.

Melvin’s life had a humble beginning. He was reared in a single household with his mother (Nancy Mae), grandmother (Camey Franklin Riles), brother, (Norman /Shindig) and sister (Peggy Ann). Melvin was a very sickly child, which caused him to miss many days of school. Melvin attended Summer Hill High School on his good days, but having to miss so many days of school and being held back caused Melvin to lose interest in school. He became very discouraged, so he quit school and went into the work force at an early age.

Melvin’s decision to quit school, soon made him realize that in order for him to become successful he was going to have to work very hard, keep a level head, have good work ethics and most of all keep God in the midst of everything. Melvin was able to grasp the goals he had set for himself and he never looked back. Melvin was always very, thrifty and he learned earlier how to manage his money. He grew to become a very handsome, young man and was known to be one of the best-dressed young men in Cartersville. Melvin became very popular among his peers and he soon, found himself having fun and folly in his spare time. He enjoyed going out and partying on the weekends. Melvin’s life style took a twist in 1962 when Mary Alice Green knocked him off his feet. A young lady, he had known all of his life, but never took notice. After pursuing her and dating her for many years, Melvin finally persuaded her to become his wife. Melvin and Mary Alice were not blessed to have children, but theirs was a happy union. This couple enjoyed each other and spent most of their time visiting and loving their family members and friends.

Melvin was blessed to be able to share, love and enjoy his niece, Patrice Johnson. Patrice and Melvin lived in the same household, which made it possible for him to nurture and protect her. The two of them adored each other and he became a father-like figure in her life. Melvin’s love did not stop with Patrice because he later took time out to love and nurture the late Calvin Abbott. Calvin and Melvin became very close and they had a loving and caring relationship, even when they didn’t always agree on everything. Their relationship was most unusual. Calvin’s untimely death left a void in Melvin’s life, but the memories and fun times they had kept Melvin going. Melvin loved children and he always found time to love and enjoy his many other nieces, nephews and godchildren. Melvin was blessed to meet and love his nephew Aldo Weddington and his wife Michele. Melvin called this a divine intervention because Aldo came into his life when he was at his lowest peak. Aldo and Michele became the love of his life and he always looked forward to their weekly visits. The few years that they spent together were both fruitful and enjoyable. He was proud of Aldo and realized the importance of knowing and loving family.

Melvin found Christ in the late sixties and he joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Eugene H. Mitchell. Life took on a new meaning for Melvin and he became a very faithful member of his church. Melvin always kept church in his heart. The reality of it all is that he always had the need to help somebody. At Christmas time he would donate to the church in order to help the children enjoy Christmas and its true meaning.

Melvin used his landscaping skills to keep the church grounds beautiful at all times. Melvin always did everything in a quiet way and he never expected anything in return. Melvin joined and supported The New Frontier Association for many years and he also supported other clubs, organizations and churches in and out of his community. Melvin especially enjoyed The South Metro Chapter of The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, GA. Melvin enjoyed entertaining at his home, shooting pool and watching television, especially sports and old westerns. Melvin spent his entire life in Cartersville, Georgia but he always took time out to do some travelling with his wife, family and friends. God blessed him to see and visit many beautiful places. Melvin was often misunderstood because he was very outspoken and always stood his ground. He never felt the need to prove himself to others in order to be popular. He only wanted to please God.

Melvin was a lot of fun. He was humorous, witty, kind, and always quick to give his opinion, whether you liked it or not. Melvin overcame many obstacles and always held his head up and kept pushing. Melvin remained humble and was so grateful to God for allowing him to have a blessed life. Melvin worked hard even when his health was failing. He always kept a positive attitude and never complained. After a lot of hard work, Melvin was able to retire from The Prudential Bank, Regions Bank, and The First Presbyterian Church. Melvin enjoyed many years of retirement and he remained active in his community. Now, this chapter of Melvin’s life is over, He fought a good fight and kept the faith. He successfully completed this Christian journey. God saw that Melvin had gotten weary and tired, so He called him home. Rest, now our dear one, we, your family release you back into God’s loving arms.               

Melvin’s loving survivors are his loving and devoted wife, Mary Alice Johnson; sister, Rosa (Allen) Spivey; sisters-in-law, Sharon Jones of Atlanta, GA, Rosanna Shaw of Cartersville, GA, Gloria Scott and Barbara James of Marietta, GA, Jacquelyn Scott of Dallas, GA, Sarah James Freeman of Detroit, MI; brother-in-law, Brake Lucas of Detroit, MI; uncles, James Robert Templeton of Syracuse, NY, Gazaway (Gwen) Templeton of Rome, GA.; a special cousin, Queen Lowe of Cartersville, GA; a special niece, Patrice Johnson of Smyrna, GA ; special friends, Frank Gary of Cartersville, GA, Charles Johnson of Emerson, GA Wheeler(Mirchelle) Johnson of Columbus, GA, Charles (Vyola) Foster of Cartersville, GA, Sherman (Patricia) Broadnax  of Cartersville, GA, Bonheur (Brenda) Broadnax of Atlanta, GA) and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends and extended family members. A special devoted and; loving caregiver, Charmon Shelnutt and her family and friends Colin Buffaloe, Ka’tice Jones, John Kaden, Shannon Winters, Melissa (Randy) Riddle and the Riles, Freeman and Hendricks families. Memories will always remain in our hearts for Brooke Shelnutt who often helped her mother care for Melvin.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.mackeppingerfuneralhome.com

Mack Eppinger and Sons Funeral Service, Inc. are in charge of the arrangements.

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