Melvin Baker

On January 10, 2026, Melvin Bernard Baker passed away at home after a prolonged illness. With love and support, he fought a courageous battle in his last years. He has now transitioned to his heavenly home.

Melvin grew up on a farm in Rocky Mount, NC, where he would spend much of his time studying and helping his parents attend to the farm. Melvin graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Pinetops, NC. Following graduation, Melvin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A&T University.

He devoted much of his professional and personal life to helping others.

Upon graduating, he relocated to Washington, D.C. to work for the U.S. Soldiers' Home where he worked with retired chronically ill soldiers. Melvin later moved to New York where he worked with disadvantaged unhoused teen boys at the Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He then left Children's Village to join the U.S. Army. He was a combat engineer and spent time abroad in Germany. After an honorable discharge from military service, Melvin returned to New York working in various jobs with the NY City Youth Board, the City Department of Welfare, and the State Training School's Bureau for Boys.

He later returned to his home in North Carolina where he received his Master of Social Work degree from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1970. In 1973, Melvin moved to Columbia, Maryland and began working as a Social Worker at the Kendall Demonstration School for the Deaf, Gallaudet College, where he was responsible for the overall planning, development and management of the school's social work program activities.

Later Melvin began working for the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare and then for the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Melvin worked for the Office for Civil Rights culminating a robust career in advocating for others' rights until retirement in 2007.

Melvin was an excellent gardener and participated enthusiastically in this hobby. He was a modest person who will be remembered for his intellect and graciousness. He was a generous contributor to a number of charities. He was a longtime supporter and member of Peoples Congressional United Church of Christ. His zeal for life was manifested in his extraordinary sense for adventure and travel. These travels took Melvin to Topsail Beach with family and all parts of the world which presented him with the opportunities to meet people of all walks of life including ambassadors and kings.

Melvin was preceded in death by his loving parents Jesse and Ada, older brother Wilbur and wife, Amanda, son Melvin Jr, daughter Gail, and grandson, John Wayne Allen, II.

Melvin leaves to mourn his passing his wife Toni-jeanne, sons Kyle and Jesse, and daughters Vernell and Wanda. He also leaves to mourn his passing a brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins and friends.

WHEN IF MUST LEAVE YOU

When I must leave you for a while,

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years,

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky.

-Helen Steiner Rice

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We are not quite prepared to face life's darkest hours alone. The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the kind expressions of sympathy. We thank each and every one of you.

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