Debra Kay Melvin

Obituary for DEBRA KAY MELVIN
Debra Kay Melvin, 66, went to her eternal resting home on May 31, 2025. She was
born October 4, 1958, in Fayetteville, NC to Houston and Helen Hodges Melvin. Debra
was the third of four children.
Though she lived a life of simplicity, Debra was raised in New York City and often
shared memories of the excitement of city life. Debra graduated from Hillcrest High
School in Jamaica Hills, Queens, NYC. She joined the workforce as a reception and
leasing assistant with a NYC real estate corporation. Debra then joined Mutual of
Omaha as a new business clerk. During this time, she continued her education by
attending evening college courses to pursue her passion in cosmetology. After
receiving her certification as a licensed cosmetologist, Debra's adventurous spirit led
her to have her own hair and make-up salon.
About 1987, Debra returned to her hometown of Hope Mills, NC where she was
employed by Cumberland County Schools as a teacher assistant, and later, by
Fayetteville Technical Community College as an Admissions Office Clerical Assistant.
Debra left the workforce due to a disability.
Our soft-spoken Debra was a dedicated and beloved daughter, sibling and cousin.
Kindness for others was one of her many notable character traits. She loved spending
time with children, sewing, re-upholstering furniture, crocheting, gardening, and arts and
crafts.
Debra was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by three siblings:
Kenneth Melvin (Dorestine), Vivian Melvin-Salas, and Andre Melvin; nieces/nephews: Charles,
Helen, Jason, Erik, and Andre Jr., 7 grandnieces/nephews, and a host of cousins.
Please visit the website of CUNNINGHAM MORTUARY & CREMATION, INC to view
photos or share your memories of Debra.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 3 – 5 pm at Mars Hill
Presbyterian Church, 5990 US Hwy 301, Hope Mills, North Carolina. Doors will be
open for arrivals to begin at 2:30pm. Bereavement cards can also be mailed to: Vivian
Melvin-Salas, 424 Oakgrove Drive, Fayetteville NC 28314. The family prefers to
gratefully accept monetary donations, in lieu of flowers. Should you choose to make a
monetary donation, please make checks payable to Vivian Melvin-Salas, or, CashApp
$VivianMelvinSalas.