Melvin Kelly (Lansing)

Mr. Melvin Kelly passed away on April 18, 2021, at his residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 77 years. He was born April 30, 1943, in Pulaski, Illinois, to parents, Coleman and Laura (Sylvester) Kelly.

Melvin was a graduate of Douglas High School in Mounds, Illinois. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he received an honorable discharge. Melvin was a resident of Benton Harbor, Michigan before moving to Lansing, Michigan in 1973. He retired in 1997 from the State of Michigan as an Equipment Operator, after twenty-three years of service. His hobbies included fishing, biking, taking long walks, studiously reading the Bible, teaching Bible study, as well as spreading God’s word and love. Melvin had a passion for mentoring the youth, as he volunteered many years to Vacation Bible School and, most recently participating in the “Foster Grandparent Program” at Wexford Montessori. He was “adopted” by most kids he encountered as “Grandfather”. He was a very disciplined man, a very faithful, devoted servant of the Lord, and a natural comedian.

He leaves to cherish his memory five sons Melvin Kelly of Lansing, Michigan, Marcus (Tara) Kelly of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Stacy Kelly of Canton, Georgia, Maurice Kelly of Lansing, Michigan, and, Brian (Angela) Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky; twelve grandchildren Erika Johnson of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Keisha Pointer, Brian Kelly, Malachi Kelly, Ciara Kelly all of Lansing, Michigan, Braylon Kelly, Braxton Kelly, Callen Kelly all of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Aubrey Kelly, Malia Kelly of Canton, Georgia, Jaliyah Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky and, Mariah Kelly of Clermont, Florida; Siblings Vernice Jefferson of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Andrew Kelly of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Ophia Bledsoe of Berrien Springs, Michigan; And many other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents Coleman and Laura Kelly; daughter Tammy Johnson; siblings Floyd Kelly, T.C. Horton, Edward Kelly, Rosalee Brown, Annie Marshall, Lillian Fowler, and grandson Brandon Kelly.