Uncrowned Community Builders

Vernell Melson was born on April 16, 1916. His parents were David and Lillian Melson. Vernell was the coupleââ?¬â?¢s fifth son of thirteen children. At an early age, Vernell confessed Christ and joined St. Helena Baptist Church in Greensboro, Louisiana.

Vernell met Minnie B. Jones and was married her on September 18, 1936 in Camden, Arkansas. To this union, eight daughters were born. One daughter, Lillian Marie died before her father.

Vernell moved his family to Buffalo, New York. They joined Friendship Baptist Church following their arrival in the city. Vernell was a devoted husband and father and provided for his family. His daughters, Shirley and Sharon, remember that ââ?¬Å?He would often talk about his dirt poor childhood in Louisiana and how he made the trip to Buffalo on a freight train to start a new life and raise his daughters. He couldnââ?¬â?¢t read or write, but he had what he called ââ?¬Å?mother-witââ?¬. It gave him the smarts to work hard every day to give his family a safe and happy home. Our father was a handsome and caring individual, and he was a real gentleman. We all always appreciated our father. He had a way of being gentle and strong at the same time, and always with a beautiful smile. His charming and generous personality endeared him to everyone. When the ice cream truck came around he would buy for his grandchildren, but never failed to do the same for kids in the neighborhood whose parents couldnââ?¬â?¢t afford to buy them ice cream. The kids all called him grandpa.ââ?¬

Barbara Kirkland Dennis, a family friend, reflected on her remembrances of Mr. Melson that date by to her adolescence: ââ?¬Å?When gathering with my peers at the end of a school day, as we subtly scurried up the stars to secure a good spot in ââ?¬Å?The Roomââ?¬; a safe environment overflowing with love, and Aunt Anaââ?¬â?¢s aromatic pot on the stove, with enough for all. ââ?¬Å?The Roomââ?¬ was in a home on the east side of Buffalo, New York, where a real family was in full bloom twenty-four/seven. ââ?¬Å?Mr. Melsonââ?¬ was Head of Household, and the only male with nine females of 3.5 generations. He was also even-tempered, without profanity. No matter how tired, he was always posted up in his chair at the main entrance of his castle, the diligent watchman. He remained so throughout his lifetime. I also had the opportunity to observe Mr. Melson in a public setting, he never wavered. He was truly one of the most respectful gentlemen I have encountered in my lifetime. I thank God for Mr. Melsonââ?¬â?¢s presenceââ?¬.

He was loved by all that knew him. Vernell died peacefully on July 13, 1990. He and Mrs. Melson had seven daughters, Verna, Beatrice, Leatrice, Jessie, Rose, Shirley and Sharon, twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.