Melvin Eugene Church, 88, of Drakes Branch VA, entered into God’s Kingdom on Dec. 1st, 2023, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law at their home in Stanley, North Carolina. Melvin was born November 13, 1935, to Chelsie & Callie Church of Keysville VA. He was proceeded in death by his first wife Connie Redmond Church and his brother Roy Church. Melvin was born November 13, 1935, to Chelsie & Callie Church of Keysville VA.
Melvin, the most loving, Godly and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is survived by his second wife, Nancy B. Church, his daughter, Cindy C. Owens and her husband, James E. Owens Jr., his daughter, Marlena Sherwood and her husband, Chris Sherwood, his two grandsons, Dale Sherwood, and Jeffrey Sherwood, wife, Kate and great-grandson, Jack. In addition, he is also survived by his brother, Freddy Church and wife Betty, brother, John Elden Church, and his sister, Ola Mae Hanks and her husband, Bobby.
Even though Melvin was a man of few words, he had the personality and natural charisma to make friends regardless of the situation. Melvin dedicated his life on doing God’s will. This included over 50 years of serving as a Deacon and Deacon Emeritus at Friendship Baptist Church, as well as driving the church van and tending to the grounds and facilities. Melvin was a dedicated provider for his family and continued to set the example of a fine Christian until his final breath.
Melvin was a truly great man of faith and his impact will be forever felt by his family, church and community. He was a selfless man whose passing leaves an empty gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all that knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Friendship Baptist Church, Drakes Branch, VA, interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.
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Robbie D. Pryor
So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace.
Frieda Whirley
So sorry to hear of Melvin’s passing. He was the first person to be baptized at the current Friendship Baptist Church. He was a true servant of the Lord and he loved his family unconditionally. Cindy, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jason Berkley
Melvin was a good man. He treated my grandmother, Nancy Church, wonderfully. I’m so glad they found each other at that time in their lives, and that they got to spend the time together that they did. I didn’t know he was the first person baptized at the current Friendship Baptist Church, but given the amount of time I know he spent there, I’d have to say that makes sense. My condolences to Cindy and Marlena at this time of great sadness. May his memory be a blessing to you and yours always.
Jennifer Smith-Palmer
Cindy and Marlena, I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a sweet person. He would always smile and speak whenever and wherever I saw him. He will greatly be missed. But you know where he is and that he is at peace. May God wrap HIS comforting and healing arms around you and your family.
Bernice Webb
My prayers are with Melvin’s daughters and all of his family. I had the pleasure caring for Melvin and his wife Nancy for about a year until he moved in with his daughter in N.C. He was a wonderful Christian man. I enjoyed our conversations, he was such a soft spoken, knowledgeable man. Even with his failing health he still got up every morning and pushed himself to do whst needed to be done. He loved his family but more than anyone he loved God. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.