The funeral service of the late Melvin C. Richardson, of North Hill, born on May 20th 1966, took place at the Church of God (Holiness) on Thursday, December 16th. A capacity crowd filled the church as family, relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues gathered to pay their last respects to the 55-year old gentle, jovial and friendly soul.
Melvin passed away on November 10th 2021, after a brief illness, and his unexpected sudden passing shocked and saddened many of those who had known him for his kind endearing personality.
In his formal remembrance, Mrs. Marva Thompson described him as one who had learnt from his devout parents how to love and worship God through daily devotions and living in line with the principles of God’s Word. She said: “Melvin played the guitar which he cherished, and which made him come alive while playing songs and hymns of the Christian faith. He often said, ‘yuh could touch mi dis and mi dat, but don’t touch mi guitar.’”
Mrs. Thompson continued, “As he grew up into a fine young man, he became the gadget-geek of the family, and he was the one to bring the family together for gatherings. He was a spiritual man, and a man with insight into the things of God.”
Melvin was married to his wife, Sharon, for twenty-six years. She was described as “the love of his life”. Their marriage produced four children. He was a faithful family man. According to Mrs. Thompson, “On many moonlit nights Melvin would be found with his wife out for a stroll, and engaging in thoughtful conversation about plans for the future.”
She continued: “It was a very sad day when Melvin Conroy Richardson departed this world. He was a faithful husband, a father, brother, friend, dreamer, visionary, spiritual leader, deep thinker, motivator, coach and encourager. He has left a void in the lives of many.”
The sermon was delivered by Methodist Minister, Rev. Vincia Celestine. She comforted the family by insisting that God is in control of sudden tragedies, the likes of which characterise Melvin’s passing. She reminded them that though they might be filled with grief and questions concerning why he had to leave so young, and so suddenly, still it is comforting to know that Jesus cares about their sorrows.
Rev. Celestine joined with Melvin’s Brother, Rev. Lindsey Richardson and Rev. Wilmoth Hodge to sing that comforting hymn of the faith ‘Does Jesus care’ At the end of the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Melvin C. Richardson, his brother, Lindsey, expressed his thanks to all who had attended the service to pay their final respects and all those who and shared words of consolation with the family upon His passing.
The Anguillian joins in extending condolences to Melvin’s family and relatives and all who are left to mourn his sudden loss. May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
