Melvin Moten

Jesus states in John 16:22 (NIV) "So with you: Now is your time of grief,

but I will see you again and you will rejoice,

And no one will take away your joy."

Melvin Moten was born July 21, 1938, in Mt. Vernon Alabama to the late Bert and Hassie Mae Armstrong Moten. He was raised in his hometown of Mt. Vernon, and he's a Class of 1958 Graduate of Rosa A. Lott in Citronelle, AL. After nine years and six months, Melvin Moten transitioned to his healing on heaven's side, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 87 - where sickness can no longer lord over his body.

Melvin relocated to Dayton Ohio, and in doing so, Melvin met the love of his life and other than Jesus, the rock in his life, Marguerite Woods Lewis Moten. He was employed with McCauley Propeller of Vandalia Ohio where he retired after 32 years as a machinist, making airplane propellers and hubs for Cessna Aircrafts. Melvin Moten served God faithfully under the leadership of Reverend A.C. Peterson of Christian Missionary Baptist Church of Dayton Ohio. He served well as a deacon and in 1980 he surrendered to the call of ministry. After relocating to Gautier, MS, in 2004, Rev. Moten's desire was to serve in any capacity at the church he was raised in, Pine Grove Missionary Baptist church of Mt. Vernon Alabama, under the leadership of Reverend Jack Shaw. Melvin would always say, "from our front door to the church in Mt. Vernon, it's 71 miles, one way." Minister and Sis. Moten drove this distance every Sunday with no complaints – the absolute evidence of obedience, sacrifice, and dedication.

As time went on, the 142-mile roundtrip commute ended, and the Holy Spirit repositioned them to follow their daughter, Kelly Alexander where they established their membership and faithfully attended Victory International Christian Center in Ocean Springs, MS under the leadership of Apostle Carlton G. McCarter, Senior Pastor.

Melvin was preceded in death by his daughter, Velva Lena Penn, great-great grandson, Landon Malik Hurd, parents, Bert and Hassie Mae, whom he lovingly called, "Sang," his siblings, Percy Lee Moten Sr., Nathaniel Moten, Clarence "Gene" Moten, Beatrice Moten Washington, Elizabeth Moten Mickles, both paternal and maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and two best friends of Dayton Ohio, Freddie Gultney and Frankie Carr.
As time ushers in healing, his, "for better or for worse," "in sickness and in health," "until death do us part," unconditional loving wife, Marguerite Moten will face this journey, holding him dearly in her heart and soul. His unshakable, precise, and "she's just like her daddy" daughter, Kelly Moten Alexander of Gautier, MS must learn a new way of spending her early mornings and evenings without him.

Others who will stay behind to share the stories of their cherished moments with Melvin - daughters, Cynthia Langham (Vincent) of Mt. Vernon, AL, Rema Lewis of Gautier, MS, Claudia Love (the late Robert) of Kauffman, TX, son, Raymond Lewis (Wanda) of Oklahoma, three dedicated grandsons, Isaiah Alexander of Gautier, MS, Robert Packnett III (Megan) of Biloxi, MS, and Raymond H. Lewis III (Renata) of Dayton Ohio who always waited on him to arrive in Dayton to make sure he made it to the hotel room, devoted sister, Rosie Lee Moten Boxley (the late David) brother, Fred Moten, AL, a dedicated nephew Larry Pickens (Beatrice) Eight Mile, AL who visited and called, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, classmates, and two special friends who faithfully called to check on him and Marguerite - Mrs. Ruth Weatherspoon, and Minister Bernell Robinson.

Upon Melvin's departure, he left a lasting impression on many, from his ability to teach and minister God's Word, the love for his family and friends, his smile, the ability to keep one laughing, along with his infectious laughs, to his generosity and kindness. Melvin had the personality that drew all walks of life, while making a point to speak to and help anyone along the way.

Melvin, fondly known by his wife, Rick as Mote and Babe, known by his daughter Kelly as "Melvin," My Ninja, and Cuz, by his daughter, Claudia as Mr. Melvin, by his son Raymond as Papa, by his grandson Robert & great grandsons as Beano, by Denzel as Gramps, and while the others simply called him Grandpa, he left a mark on all of our lives.

Because it's impossible for God to make mistakes, we know nothing can catch him off guard. For the life Melvin lived, as Believers in Christ, we understand his body may be absent from us, yet we are reassured by knowing his spirit is present with the Lord.

So Melvin, as you rest in heavenly peace, may you always hear the song Marguerite would sing to you daily - "I love you, and you alone belong to me. I pray for you every morning, I pray for you every night, Melvin Moten, I love you, and you alone, belong to me! Do you love me? I love you, and you alone belong to me! I love you – I really love you, and you alone belong to me."

Melvin - we will rejoice and see you again, when SONday comes!
Rick & Babygirl Kelly!

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Melvin Moten, please click here to visit our sympathy store.