Melvin Lander Doxie

It is with sadness that we mourn the passing of Melvin Lander Doxie who, after a long illness, peacefully left this life on April 11, 2024. Mel was born on August 3, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Melvin and Beatrice Doxie. He leaves to celebrate his life and accomplishments his loving and devoted wife, Sadye Dunn Doxie, to whom he was married for 46 years; his brother, Marvin Leon Doxie, Sr.; niece, Monica Yvette Doxie of Hyattsville, MD; nephew, Marvin Leon Doxie, Jr. of Suitland, MD; two great-nephews, Matthew Langston Doxie and Xavier Martel Doxie, and a great-great nephew. Also celebrating Mel’s life are two nephews and a niece by marriage, Frank Jackson (Amy Podmore), Tommy Jackson (Jackie Jackson), and Susan Jackson Cooke, (Dick Cooke), as well as nine great nieces and nephews between them. Melvin was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Jean Doxie, in 2015, and his brother, Myron Lester Doxie, in 2016.

A graduate of Howard University and Georgetown Law School, Mel was a scholar of life. He was interested in many things, and this curiosity was reflected in his professional career and personal life. A US Army veteran, Mel served his country as a Russian linguist and translator where he received training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterrey, California. Following his Army commitment, he worked in New York City as a businessman before moving to Washington to hold several key city and federal government positions, including as Assistant Executive Director at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where he met Sadye, and later, as the Executive Director of the D.C Public Service Commission. Mel’s love of inquiry, fairness, and justice led him to Georgetown Law School, from where he received his Juris Doctor degree, and to a position as an attorney with Leftwich & Douglas law firm. His final role was with the federal organization now known as Homeland Security.

Mel was a quietly spiritual man and deeply active for more than 35 years in the life of First Baptist Church of the City of Washington D.C., where he found meaning and friendship. He taught Sunday School classes and supported the church through committee membership, including serving as a life-long deacon. He also served as president of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention.

He was a life-long, voracious reader who could simultaneously enjoy a good book of fiction while also pondering the deepest theological texts. He shared this passion by starting a literary magazine at Howard University as an undergraduate student and later, was a founding member of the Men’s Gourmet Book Club. Mel was a superb cook who found joy in trying new recipes and in sharing the results with friends and family. His love of the arts extended into fine art and music, and the home that he and Sadye made reflects those loves. Mel found great delight and meaning in all kinds of music-whether that be jazz, the blues, gospel, hymns, or classic R & B-and he loved how music made him feel.

Active in the local community, he volunteered with the Mt. Pleasant library near his home, specifically working to improve access to literature for children. Mel also served for many years on the Board of the Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home, helping to protect it as an important historical institution of care in the neighborhood.

Mel had a deep love for his family, his country and his community. He in turn was loved deeply and we will miss his sense of purpose, quiet brilliance, and kindness towards others.

There will be a memorial celebrating Mel’s life on Saturday, May 11th from 5-7pm at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church in his name.