Melvina Denise Torbert

Melvina Denise Torbert

January 6, 1970 - August 20, 2025

Melvina Denise Torbert was born on January 6, 1970, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Melvin Wilkins and Linda Baldwin. She grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and was baptized as a young girl, and then dedicated her life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Melvina graduated from Winston-Salem Public Schools and continued her education at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. On April 6, 1992, she was proudly initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Xi Chapter.

Following her graduation from Bennett College, Melvina relocated from Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Dublin, Ohio and began her teaching career in Dublin City Schools in 1993. As her passion for education grew, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The Ohio State University. While pursuing her graduate studies, she met and married the love of her life, Raymoune Torbert on July 15, 2000. Together, they built a beautiful family with two beloved sons, Sterling and Gavin.

Melvina's dedication to education led her to serve as a Principal in the Dublin City School District, later advancing to the position of Central Office Director with the South-Western City School District, and then becoming the Director of Professional Development with Columbus City Schools. She also held several additional education administration leadership roles throughout her career. Melvina had an unwavering passion for helping and educating youth, believing that every child had the potential to achieve greatness when provided with care, guidance, and opportunity. Her leadership inspired countless students, teachers, and colleagues throughout her career.

Beyond her career, Melvina's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted, nurturing and supportive wife and mother, passionately supporting Gavin's education, athletic pursuits and his sporting events, and encouraging and supporting Sterling's college education and his love for computer technology, the arts and drawing. She celebrated every milestone, large or small, and poured her heart into ensuring her family felt loved, supported, and empowered to pursue their dreams.

Melvina's commitment to service extended deeply into her sorority. Upon moving to Columbus, she transferred to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter, where she was an active member of numerous committees. She was the Executive Chairman of the Achieving Standards of Excellence Foundation (ASOEF) including ASOEF Chairman of Scholarship, ASOEF Chairman of Scholars Tea, and ASOEF Co-Chairman of Denim and Pearls. Melvina also held leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region, including Chairman of the Time and Place Committee, Co-Chairman of the Great Lakes Southern Ohio Cluster Host Chapter Committee in Columbus, Ohio, as appointed as the 95th Great Lakes Regional Conference Community Service Chairman, and she was was a former member of the Great Lakes Regional Choir.

Melvina's faith guided her throughout life. She first attended Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church, where she sang on the praise and worship team, and later became an active member at New Salem Baptist Church with her husband. In recent years, she attended Vineyard Church in Dublin, Ohio, continuing her walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Melvina was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Wilkins and Linda Baldwin. She is survived by her devoted husband, Raymoune Torbert; her loving sons, Sterling (22) and Gavin (15); brother, Taras Baldwin; sister, Alethea "Bo" Baldwin; step mother Marlin Wilkins, stepbrothers, Melvin Wilkins, Jr., Marlon Wilkins, and Mark Wilkins; Brother-in-Law Dale Torbert, Sister-in-Law Heatherlee Torbert, Father-in-Law Gentleman James Torbert, Jr, God parents Marion and Cynthia White, God Sister Dr. Nicole White, PhD, and God parents Harry and Pat McClure and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who cherished her deeply.

Melvina loved the Lord Jesus Christ, her family, friends, and her community. She will be remembered for her laughter, warmth, unwavering faith, and the joy she brought to every life she touched. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7