Melvia Watson, the daughter of Dorsey and Reatha Crawford, was born on January 16, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia, and passed away peacefully at her residential home on March 24, 2025. From an early age, Melvia radiated warmth and love, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Even in her weakest moments, she never lost her beautiful smile, a testament to her strength and unwavering spirit.

During her childhood, she grew up in Atlanta until she was 13 years old, when her family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. She excelled academically throughout elementary, junior high, and high school. After graduating from East Technical High, she enrolled at Howard University to study pharmacy.

During the summer after her first year of college, she met the love of her life, Cleophus Watson, whom she later married, remaining devoted to him for more than 64 years. Together, they built a loving family, raising two sons, Darrell and Myron Watson. Melvia’s love for her family was boundless—she nurtured, supported, and protected them with all her heart. She was the foundation of her home, always showing kindness and patience, even in the most challenging times.

Her friendships were just as dear to her as her family. She was especially loyal to her close friends, including the late Jeanette Tyner, her best and longest-standing friend for more than 40 years. Melvia’s warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

She dedicated 36 years of service as a dispatch clerk with the United States Postal Service, earning numerous awards and commendations for her dedication and excellence. Her sister, Barbara Seymore, described her as a perfectionist, always striving to do her best. Her late brother, Carl Crawford, affectionately nicknamed her “Squgga” because of her sweet and caring nature—something anyone who truly knew her could attest to.

Melvia is survived by her devoted husband, Cleophus Watson, her beloved sons, Darrell and Myron Watson, her sisters, Jacqueline Crawford-Grose and Barbara Seymore, and her brother, Floyd Crawford. Her older brothers Carl Crawford and Dorsey Crawford are now deceased.   She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews: Nicole Crawford, Jennifer Larde-Hughes, Barche Larde-Jones, and Michelle Larde, as well as cherished great nieces and nephews.

Melvia’s legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.