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MELVIN SPANN Obituary
DR. MELVIN L. SPANN
Passed away on May 7, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Spann and his devoted children, Melvin K. Spann and Monica (Therman) Spann. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Melvin J. Spann, Jaida Spann, and Therman Hawkins, III; brother, John Spann and sister, Dorothy Brent. Mel earned his undergraduate degree at Howard University and Masters and PhD from American University, where he became an Adjunct Professor. His early career was spent at FDA followed by NIH National Library of Medicine. While at NLM, Mel earned many awards and established several programs to strengthen the capacity of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the use of scientific information resource. He was appointed Associate Director in 1995. Viewing will be Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011.
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Memories and Condolences
for MELVIN SPANN
Your wife´s friend and coworker Gloria Russ Walker
March 28, 2024
You and your children have my heartfelt sympathy. May God bless you. This message may be late but my love and thoughts are forever with you.
Gloria (Russ)Walker Baylor
Matthew A. Kinnard
May 13, 2023
Dr. Melvin Spann, a gentleman and scholar
Rest in Peace, my friend and colleague.
Matthew A. Kinnard
May 13, 2022
You fought the good fight Mel. Now, Rest in Peace.
Matthew and Regina Kinnard
May 13, 2021
As a longtime associate of Melvin at the NIH/NLM, he truly embodied the title of scholar and gentleman and add to that an impeccable dresser. His contributions to the Extramural Associates (EA) Program during my time as Director are much appreciated unforgettable and indelible.
Condolences to Gloria and the family and may Melvin rest in eternal peace
Matthew and Regina Kinnard
May 31, 2019
Condolences to Gloria and the entire Spann Family upon the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather, etc. Regina and I were truly saddened upon learning of his recent passing. Over the years at the NIH particularly as Director of the Extramural Associates (EA) Program, I will forever be indebted to Melvin for the invaluable NLM services that he so willingly provided to my EA classes twice yearly which contributed greatly to their EA residency training. As a result, upon returning to their respective campuses, the knowledge and skills which they acquired assisted them greatly in expanding and managing additional extramural funding at their respective institutions thereby contributing greatly to the overall educational experiences of students at minority and women's institutions throughout the Continental U.S.
May he forever rest in peace.
Barbara C. Fisher
May 31, 2019
I knew Mel when I worked at the NLM, he was always so friendly, kind and respectful of others. May his family find peace in knowing that he was special and truly gifted.
Marsha Swann
May 22, 2019
To Gloria and family we were saddened to learn of the passing of Mel, classmate and friend. Our condolences to you and your family. Remembering him as smart, funny, caring, and a pleasure to be around. May he rest in peace and our prayers will be 4 his soul to find the ultimate resting place.
Marsha Pippin Swann Oxon Hill Md
Thelma Pippin Green Valley Az
Ray Michael Bridgewater
May 21, 2019
Sending my condolences and love to Ms. Gloria Spann, Dr. Monica Hawkins and the entire family.I was introduced to Dr. Melvin Spann and Mr. Othal Green by Dr. Ernest Carter as I was developing the Kenya Tele-health Medical Mobile Unit project and 50 acres of land in Kenya into a Hospital and conference center. As our friendship and partnership grew , Dr. Spann invited me to watch over and help his daughter Dr. Monica Hawkins....My thoughts & prayers are with you. Dr. Melvin Spann was a special and gifted man. He was loved and respected. Today , I am being ask to present the Medical Mobile Unit's project to the Minister of Health and Ambassador to Ghana. So I will not be there with you today. Dr. Spann will be on my mine. His present will be with me today...May the Lord bless and keep you . May the his grace be upon you forever my dear friend. Monica , I am proud of you on your two books . I know your Dad is very proud of you. I can see his smile of approval...Rest in Power Dr. Melvin Spann.
Al Witcher
May 20, 2019
Gloria
My deepest condolences to you and your family in the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin Roach
May 20, 2019
Dear Cousins,
I was so saddened to hear the news of Cousin Melvin's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Cousin Kevin
Cheryl White
May 20, 2019
So sorry for your family's loss. I worked with Mel from 1986-1999 at NLM.
Byron & Lori Fordham
May 20, 2019
God bless Dr. Spann and all that he has done for the family, community, and humanity.
We pray that Mrs.Spann, Mel, Monica, and all the family can find peace and comfort in his memories and love.
May the Lord bless and keep you and His grace be upon you always.
Much love,
May 20, 2019
Sending condolences and my love to Gloria, Mel, Monica, Johnny, and Dorothy in these trying times.
Your cousin,
Trina Roach & Family
Vreden, Germany
Kathie Reed
May 19, 2019
Dear Gloria,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate a very special life! I and my staff at Oak Ridge Associated Universities worked with Mel at NLM back in the late 1980's. I have fond memories of those years when we worked under Mel's leadership to develop and conduct training. Mel was extremely dedicated to the NLM mission and very supportive of both his own team and mine as we worked together on numerous fun and rewarding projects. I know he will be greatly missed by many! (I don't think I ever met you but feel like I knew you a little bit as Mel would sometimes tell me with pride about the things you were doing!)
Vernice Paschall Lacy
May 19, 2019
Gloria, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear about Melvin.
It's been many years since you and I have been in contact. You and I were friends at Greater First Baptist.
Stay strong. God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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