Joseph Melvin "Melvin" Smith I

Joseph Melvin Smith, I, of Indian Head, Maryland.
Joseph Melvin Smith, "Melvin", of Bryans Road, Maryland, was born on April 23, 1939. He was the eldest son of six children born to the late Joseph Esau and Orlean Matilda Smith.
At an early age, Melvin gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Green Way Beach in Marshall Hall, Maryland. He remained a lifelong member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Bryans Road, Maryland, where he faithfully served as a Choir member, Trustee, and teacher of Christian education.
Melvin graduated with honors from Pomonkey High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He dedicated the majority of his professional life to the National Institutes of Health, as a Biochemist at the National Cancer Institute. His primary focus was lung cancer research, a field in which he made meaningful contributions. Melvin took great pride in developing a
solution aimed at easing discomfort and pain in the body's joints, a testament to his lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life for others.
Joseph Melvin Smith was married to the late Marjorie Ann Dotson on April 25, 1961. From this union, three children were born: Tyrone E. Smith preceded in death, (Margaret), Karen L. (Michael), and Jacqueline M. (Franklin). On June 28, 1975, Joseph M. Smith was united in holy matrimony to Sarah E. (Johnson) Bowman. Brought to this union was Lacetta T., Wendell A. (Vilma), and William C. Bowman, Jr. (Tammie). To this union one child was born, Lawan M. This loving union endured for nearly fifty years. This blended family became known as the "Brady Bunch."
Melvin's brothers and sisters include: Bertha (Woodrow) Dyson (deceased), Edward (Margie) Smith (deceased), Winston (Olivia) Smith, Mitchell (Karen-deceased) Smith, Aretha Bowman, and sister in law Deloris Smith. He is blessed with two surviving aunts: Eudora Chisley (Phillip deceased) and Eleanor Bland (James deceased). Left to cherish his memory are 16 grandchildren (Elsie, Noah, Tatiana, Marcus (LaMarcus), Michaela (Joseph), Marquise, Mikara, Latishia, Joseph Sr., Shaniqua, Anthony (Morgan), Whitley, Luigi, Melyna, Malik, and Laila including 8 great grandchildren (L'Kya, Anniyah, Samiya, Samia, Joseph M. Jr, Joseph A. Jr, Masaya, and Bryson).
Melvin also leaves behind his beloved godchildren- Melanie Banks, Martin Smith, James Sewell, Aurellia Dyson, and Wanda Johnson -as well as many other cherished family members and friends. Melvin was actively involved in several fraternal and community organizations throughout his life. In 1990, Melvin joined the Masonic Bee Hive Lodge No. 66 in Bryans Road, Maryland. He served as the treasurer for
seven years. Melvin was then awarded the title Past Master. In addition he served in the Elks: Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. He served as an Esteemed Leading Knight /Pride of St. Mary's Lodge #1120, Valley Lee, Maryland; Chief Antler, W. S. Crouse Council #59, Southern District of Maryland; District Deputy of four Lodges – W.A.C. Hughes #1053, Newburg, Maryland, Pride of Montgomery #347, Rockville, Maryland; Sidney Mudd #748 Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and, W. Bruce Evans #380, Fairmount Heights, Maryland; Past President of the Cavaliers, Tri-State Association (Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia). In addition to his community service, Melvin enjoyed rooting for his favorite football team, The Washington Commanders, gardening, landscaping, fishing, traveling
and was an avid hunter.
Joseph Melvin Smith's life was marked by a lasting legacy. He deeply believed in the power of family, the importance of education, faithful stewardship, committed service, and unconditional love.
Peacefully departed this life on Friday, May 23, 2025, Joseph Melvin Smith entered eternal rest. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Viewing, 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with an Organizational Service from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and additional viewing from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025, also in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home. Interment, immediately following at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
On Thursday, June 5 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.
Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).
The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you. https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream