Melvin Edward Smith Sr.

MELVIN EDWARD SMITH SR. FEBRUARY 21, 1913 – DECEMBER 28, 2011 When melodies notes flow through a harmonica, or poems and lyrics are expressively recited at just the right moment, it means Melvin E. Smith Sr. is in the house. The second youngest of five brothers and one sister, Melvin Edward Smith was born and raised on the west side of Baltimore City by his mother and father, Bernard Abraham Smith and Adeline Edwards. He was educated at the Saint Peter Claver Catholic School. He than attended and graduated Frederick Douglass Senior High School and was employed by the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Supermarket (A&P) through a special program to provide opportunities for young, minority individuals to have career prospects. Melvin held the position of Manager of Retail Foods from 1933-1943. He was called to duty to serve his country during World War II. Melvin served as Store Keeper, 2nd class in the US Navy beginning on December 10, 1943 and was honorably discharged on March 11, 1946. When he returned home, the U.S. postal exam was being offered to veterans and he became a US Postal Service employee. Melvin was selected as Baltimore City Mail Carrier (a coveted position for African-American men), which turned into a 31-year federal service career. Before entering the service, Melvin married Wilhelmina Robinson and survived by daughter Janet Smith. Thereafter, he married Ethel Jeannette May with whom he spent 43 devoted years of marriage before her death. Melvin, Sr. is also survived by son, Melvin Edward Smith Jr., daughter, Gwendolyn Jeanne Smith, step-daughter Carolyn Jeannette May, adopted daughter Doris M. Street, granddaughters Jena Therese Smith, Mia Lita Colfield, Sharon Mosbey, Lorna Ross, grandson Kevin, Malcolm, Leroy, and Dwayne Streets, and in-laws Theresa Young Smith, Pardue Eller, and Laura Sacks. Melvin, Sr. also fathered stepson Michael Kenneth May (deceased). Melvin loved to sing. During his employment with the US Postal service he became a member of the Baltimore Post Office Glee Club, which appeared on WBAL television in promotion of the 1959 Christmas, mail early campaign. On April 24, 1960, Melvin received an official commendation by the postmaster in recognition of outstanding contribution of outstanding contribution to the Baltimore Postal Program, given for his participation in the Baltimore Postal Glee Club. Melvin’s most cherished memories include being a member of the Baltimore Singers, a prestigious men’s choral group directed by Gerald Burke Wilson that performed throughout the Chesapeake area. He often reminisced about standing next to his best friend John Sembly during a choral performance and feeling the satisfaction of the affectionate reassuring nod of director Burke when the choral group performed a piece to protection. Melvin was a family man who worked hard to make sure that his wife was cherished, his house was loving, warm and filled with music, his children were healthy and well provided for, educated, respectful, that his refrigerator was full and his service to God was paramount. In 1988, at the centennial dedication of Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church, Melvin, Sr. became a shareholder because of his confidence in the churches affirmation for the dignity of the black community by its continual presence and programs. At that time he was presented a plaque of recognition for his confidence and support of the church. Melvin had a love for cinema, musicals, cabarets, pinochle, sports and playing his harmonica. He was an avid tennis player and often reminisced about teaching his children to play tennis at Druid Hill Park. Those who were blessed to known him and love him will truly miss him. What he would want is that you raise your glass to his all time favorite toast.

Tributes

Melvin Edward Smith Sr.

February 21, 1913 - December 28, 2011