Jennifer Marie Melvin-Boukhaita

I am Jennifer M. Melvin-Boukhaita and was born on February 20, 1962 in Lumberton, North Carolina to my parents, the late Willie Lee and Esaldora Melvin. I went into eternal rest on January 20, 2018 with my mother and brothers by my side. At an early age, my parents moved to Baltimore, Maryland. It was here, in Baltimore I received my education. I attended Baltimore City Public Schools, graduated from Patterson High School and graduated from Sojourner Douglass College, with honors, and obtaining my B.S. Degree. Upon my untimely departure, I was pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse and was enrolled in the nursing program at Coppin University. Not to brag on myself, even with my challenges, I pressed my way through to meet my goals and dreams. As a girl, growing up in East Baltimore, you would find me hanging out with my friends, being the "life of the party." I love music and used to blast my music so loud, which I knew annoyed my mother and brothers. But when music was on, I was in my own world. It was my form of therapy. I was known to listen to the old Motown Sound, R & B, Soul, Pop, Rock, and Gospel. When (as they would say in my era) the record played, I would be the one on the dance floor, because I also loved to dance. Anyone who knew me, knew how much I loved to shop. The mall was my second home. I was also, known as the joker of the family, telling jokes and making people laugh. I love my movies, especially horror. However, I may not be the best person to sit with while watching a movie, because I would be talking to you throughout the movie; spoiling thye next scene. Family means a lot to me. You would always find me visiting my mother's house. I always worried about my brothers. I was known to call my cousins and Aunt Sis, just to talk about my father, who I dearly miss. I may have gotten on their nerves, at times, but it was because I love them dearly. In my early years, as an adult, I married, the late, Jeffrey S. Thames, Sr. and from this union, my only child, the late, Jeffrey S. Thames, Jr. was born. God allowed me to be blessed with such a wonderful son on earth, for only 9 years, and I was truly thankful to have him as a son. I later married, the late, Colin Boukhaita, who I remained married to until his untimely death. My strength came from the Lord and I deciated my life to Him. I was a member of Sothern Baptist Church, under both, the late Pastor Higgs and Pastor Hickman. I was just not a weekly attendee, but I was very active in the church, serving on the Usher Board and the Choir. I leave to cherish my memory: my mother, Esaldora Melvin; two brothers, Anthony and Elder Steven D. Gregory; seven nieces, Ashley, Sharday, Sierra, Raina, Shelitta, Jasmine, Shaniqua; two nephews, Travon and Jamal; sisters-in-law, Mary E. Gregory and Carol Farmer; and a host of other relatives, along with Stephen (Nannie) Gregory, who helped raised me and friends.

Tributes

Jennifer Marie Melvin-Boukhaita

February 20, 1962 - January 20, 2018