“Cause I’m a woman-Phenomenally-Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”-Maya Angelou. On Wednesday January 2, 2019, a phenomenal woman Joann Melvin departed this earthly plane after living a full, purposeful and service driven life.
She was born on February 9, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Adam and Mozell Jefferson as one of 11 children. Four of six brothers Johnny, Odell, Francis and Dooney preceded her in death. All four sisters Arlene, Elizabeth, Earnestine and Louise preceded her in death. Joann is survived by two brothers Earl Jefferson and Albenny Jefferson of Brooklyn, NY.
JoAnn came to Poughkeepsie, NY in 1967 where she met and married Floyd Melvin. After this union, she met Rodney Pittman of Poughkeepsie, NY and were together for 40 plus years. Soon after arriving in Poughkeepsie, Joann began her career at the Salvation Army as a Recreational Therapist. Although hired as a recreational therapist, she was known as “Mama” Melvin, a surrogate mom for more than three generations of Poughkeepsie’s children and youth.
JoAnn Melvin is survived by her life companion Rodney Pittman of Charlotte, NC, daughters Ramona Williams (Elijah) of Newburgh, NY, Endora Jefferson of Poughkeepsie, NY and Sabrina Gause (Marquis) of Charlotte, NC and son Khaleil Pittman of Charlotte, NC. She leaves to cherish her memory 15 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, ”surrogate” children and friends.
Jo’Ann’s favorite Bible verses:
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
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