Melvin L. White

In Loving Memory of Melvin Louis White

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, God called home our beloved brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and dear friend, Melvin Louis White. Born on October 7,1940, in Surry, Virginia, to the late Laster and Lucille White, Melvin lived a life filled with faith, family, hard work, music, and love.

Melvin was a hardworking man who dedicated 42 years of faithful service to Gwaltney in Smithfield, Virginia, before retiring. He took great pride in his work, but those who knew him best will remember that his greatest joy came from his family and the people around him.

Melvin was a proud churchman and a devoted member of Mars Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, where he served as a Trustee and remained faithful until his health began to decline. His faith was not something he simply talked about—it was something he lived. He was also a longtime choir member and had a special gift for music. Many will remember how he could start a worship song at just the right moment and bring others together to sing and praise God.

Outside of church and work, Melvin found happiness in the simple things in life. He loved fishing, unting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. His garden was something special to him, and he became well known for growing some of the biggest collard greens and cabbages around. For Melvin, gardening was more than a hobby—it was another way he shared his love with the people around him.

Those who knew Melvin will remember his kindness, his strong faith, and the way he could make people feel welcome. He was the kind of person whose presence became apart of your life. His love could be found in the songs he sang, the food he shared, the vegetables he grew, the stories he told, and the time he gave to others.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Essie Edwards White, his son Randy L. White, his brothers Lois, Clarence, Marcell, Russell, and Ralph White, his sisters Clarine Gatling, Virginia Gray, and Juanita Saunders, and his great-grandson TyQuan Johnson.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through his four children Melvin M. White (Evon), Kenneth D. White (Melvanette), Kelvin L. White (Carol), and Angela W. Luster(Carlton); fifteen grandchildren Katina White, Marvett White, Reginald Crudup, Staci Blizzard, Kendra Berry, Tiffany White, Kevin White, Keon White, Kenneth White, Jr., Desman Grain, Montel White, Korey White, Kailah White, Mechelle Luster and Jessica Luster; twenty great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a devoted sister Shirley Robinson; one brother in-law Melvin Saunders; three sister in-laws Jean White, Martha White and Lucille White; Devoted friends, Marvin King, Carvin (C.O) Pierce, Brenda Moore-Bailey, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though our hearts are heavy because we will miss him, we can find comfort knowing that Melvin’s work here is finished, his race has been run, and his faith has carried him home.

His hands may no longer be in the garden. His voice may no longer lead us in song. His chair may now sit empty. But his love, his faith, his laughter, and the memories he gave us will remain

On Tuesday, September 29, 2026 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Lebanon Baptist Church, Surry. Interment will follow in the Booker T. Memorial Cemetery, Wakefield. Please keep the White family in your thoughts and prayers.