Melvin Lester, 82, passed away on January 9, 2023, following a lengthy battle with multiple health challenges. Melvin was born on April 17, 1940, to Major and Luellen Lester in the Byromville, Georgia Bay Point Community. After graduating from Vienna High and Industrial School in 1959, Melvin attended college at Savannah State University where he graduated in 1966 with a degree in education.

In his junior year at Savannah State, he met a feisty freshman named Georgia Morrison. According to the stories that were told, she would not give him the time of day until he brought her a ream of her favorite strawberry ice cream from the school cafeteria. That thoughtful gift made her smile, and she has been smiling at him ever since. The two were married on December 25, 1966, on the front lawn of Georgia’s Valdosta home and were together for 56 years. Melvin and Georgia welcomed two daughters together, Tamara in 1973 and Shayla in 1979.

After graduating from Savannah State University, Melvin was recruited to Cleveland, OH by the Cleveland Public School System where he served 32 years as an Industrial Arts teacher. He was known for working tirelessly to mold the minds of students and raise the bar for education. Melvin was often given the children with failing grades and worked tirelessly with them until the grade became a C or better. His influence and support did not rest with the students he taught but branched out into the lives of his daughters’ friends and other family members. Whether pulling chains at the football games, cheering Warrensville Heights’ students on from the stands at sporting events, or making sure students got home safely, he was always there showing his support. Melvin’s encouraging nature and ready smile earned him a place in the hearts of every child he touched.

Melvin retired from teaching in 1998. Upon his retirement from the Cleveland Public School system, he became the Building Commissioner for the City of Warrensville Heights. He served as Building Commissioner for 14 years, where he was known for being both fair and kind.

Through the years, Melvin enjoyed fishing with his friends and members of the Quarter of a Piece fishing club. His fishing club took a weeklong trip every June to Canada where he managed to catch a few prize-worthy and rare fish over the years, until various illnesses began to plague the group. Melvin also enjoyed singing with the Lane Metropolitan Men’s Chorus, led many songs with the adult choir and would often sing with or to his children. He was active with Phi Beta Sigma, his beloved fraternity, and with the Senior Olympic basketball league. Melvin was a stranger to no one and found great enjoyment sharing the stories of his youth and young adulthood. He was simply a joy to be around. Melvin’s grandchildren were the highlight of his later years. His “babies” brought him great joy and laughter. He was happy to just sit in his chair and watch them. Although his illness often left Melvin weak or in pain, he always had a smile and words of love for those around him.

Melvin is survived and sorely missed by his loving wife Georgia (Morrison) of 56 years; and his children, Tamara and Shayla (Kendrick). Forever cherished and remembered by his two grandchildren, Kamryn and Cayden, his siblings, in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.