Melvin W. Bishop

Melvin W. Bishop was a man of profound faith, unwavering determination, joy despite his circumstances, and a heart that knew no strangers. Melvin had a courageous multi-year battle with cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, he told his doctor that he did not want to know anything about prognosis because “God puts the period at the end of the sentence”. And so it was, Melvin lived life fully. He peacefully surrendered to the Lord in the early hours of March 3, 2026, joining his beloved wife, Darlene, in eternal rest. In recent weeks, he often verbalized “I really miss my wife”.

A Southern at Heart with a Northern Legacy

Born in Greensboro, Georgia, on September 17, 1949, Melvin was the fourth of five children born to the late Essie Mae (Foster) Bishop and the younger son of Waymon Miller. Melvin , his mother, and siblings, moved to Reading, Pennsylvania at the age of 13 to join some of his extended family for new opportunities. Though his southern accent was barely recognizable anymore, except words like “ambulance” and “high school”, his pride for his Georgia roots remained a cornerstone of his identity. In fact, God saw fit that he was able to return to Greensboro, GA four times in the past year, including two months before his passing. He loved staying at Reynolds Lake Oconee in what he called, “The Little House” during our visits. He would seek out family and calls would be made so he could see Kurt, Peter, Bubba, William, and others. During the last visit, he was blessed to celebrate New Years Day with his adored niece Merline and her family, including his sister-in-law who celebrated her 90th birthday the same day. During this final trip, he was able to spend quality time with his dear cousins Mary Ann, Geneva, Gladys, George, Thelma, Carolyn, and Linda. He was welcomed to a nice family dinner which was something he had longed for. For all who knew Melvin, he lived by the “Linger Longer” southern lifestyle. Also known as the “Southern Goodbye”, it is a reminder to slow down, stay awhile and prioritize fellowship. If you were subject to Melvin’s extended goodbyes, long stories, reminiscing, or anything of the sort, that was his way of letting you know you meant a lot to him and he enjoyed being in your presence.

An Intellectually Curious Soul

Melvin was a curious and determined student! His love for learning started at Floyd T. Corry schools in Georgia, which was still segregated during his years of attendance. From the academics to the teachers to admiring the procession of yellow school buses, to collecting yearbooks, he was a student filled with excitement in his heart for education. When his family relocated to Reading, PA, he joined Southern Junior High and first encountered an integrated educational experience. Melvin was an extremely proud graduate of Reading Senior High School Class of 1967. He went on to attend Kutztown University where he was the first in his family to graduate college. He received a Bachelor’s degree in 1974 majoring in Political Science with a minor in sociology with an emphasis on psychology. Even as an adult, he would read grammar books for leisure.

A Life of Service and “Everyone’s Favorite PO”

Melvin was no stranger to hard work. As a boy, he would help Mr. Jackson tend to his property. He attributed his love for perfect grass and lovely landscaping to this experience. During each visit back to Georgia, he made sure to drive by to reminisce.

While in college, Melvin worked at Luden’s Candies and Glidden Paint Company. However, his cherished roles were dedicated to serving youth. He was a Coordinator for the Police Athletic League, organizing games and activities for the youth. He then served as a gym attendant for the City of Reading Recreation Department for 10-19 year olds. Melvin was also an Assistant teacher for the Title IV-A Program working with children ages 6-12 years old. Here he taught, tutored, and supervised. His next significant role would be that of a Counselor for the YMCA’s Neighborhood Youth Corp, teaching 13-19 year olds about work habits, techniques and responsibilities. He went on to serve as a Psychiatric Aide at Wernersville State Mental Hospital.

In 1976, he began is forever career while making history as the first African American Juvenile Probation Officer for the County of Berks. After 29 years of service, he reluctantly retired. If he had $1 for everyone who said, “he was my PO…”, perhaps he could have retired much earlier. Melvin loved his role as “everyone’s favorite PO”. His love and gentle approach with youth in need (and their families) set him apart. He truly believed in the best of everyone, especially children and adolescents. He believed in the goodness of others so deeply that his wife often called him out for leaving the doors or windows unlocked. She would say “you of all people know what people are capable of”. A favorite memory from his role as a JPO was a birthday party at Showbiz where he saw a kid who was on the runaway list. Melvin, without incident, ran through the facility, chasing the teen outside and over a fence until he apprehended the subject. Melvin also literally saved the life of at least one of his clients, something that left a lasting effect on his life and how he cared for others. Melvin hesitantly retired in 2005.

Faith

Melvin always knew the Lord, but his formal walk began as a boy at Ebenezer Church in Georgia and flourished in Pennsylvania at Bethel AME and Glad Tidings Assembly of God. He would also visit New Harvest to support friends. Melvin studied alongside his wife as she pursued ministry. It was at GT that Melvin was water baptized May 2011. He was a devoted Christian, just look at his Bibles! For many years you could find him either ushering, assisting his wife in teaching a New Believers Class, sitting in the “Reserved” section of Glad Tidings, or lingering longer at the back entrance of GT before enjoying lunch at Austin's.

Melvin’s heart was made full being able to attend his last in-person church service during a mini Miller family reunion this past January during his trip home to Georgia. His last virtual services were enjoyed listening to GT online, ironically with the same song both weeks, “Great Are You Lord”, which seemed appropriate as the verse sings “It’s his breath in your lungs” as Melvin’s breathing slowed on his way to his final destination. Melvin was so happy about GT opening a satellite campus in the City of Reading right in the heart of where he served many youth throughout his life.

Family

As the only son in a family of sisters, aunts, and a devoted mother, Melvin held a singular and sacred place in his family’s heart. He was barely more than a boy himself when his nieces and nephews were born, and he stepped into his role as a respected uncle with a natural grace that never wavered. To them, he was "their uncle" before he was anything to anyone else. In times of profound family trial—including the heart-wrenching loss of two sisters within months of each other and his mother’s subsequent illness—Melvin stood as a steady patriarch, providing a foundation of strength when it was needed most.

In 1972, he met the love of his life, Darlene. Together, they set out to build a life rooted in love. In 1976, on New Year’s Eve, they hosted their wedding and reception in the new home they bought and fixed to suit the occasion. In 1978, their world was forever brightened with the birth of their daughter, fondly called Nelle. The bond between Melvin and his daughter will always be comparable to none and they remained inseparable. They often joked that they “go together like peas and carrots.

As much as Melvin cherished being a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, father, and father-in-law, he excitedly stepped into his most iconic role: a one-of-a-kind Pop Pop. And, that incomparable bond he had with Chanelle, sprouted new roots and extended to his little princesses - Ti Ti Belle, Lay Belle, and Kay Belle. Just like he gave of himself fully to his wife and daughter, he laid down his life for his girls. He became a fixture on the road, traveling toward Philly several times a week to be present for his granddaughters’ every milestone.

Together as a family, they built a lifetime of memories through day trips, festivals, visits at the beach, and road trips south. They even managed to whisk him away to Disney a couple of times. The crown jewel of these memories was this summer – a hallmark journey they fondly called “Moments we Treasure” that they marked with matching family T-shirts. After months of planning and much prayer, they sailed to Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands, a final, beautiful voyage that the family will hold dear forever.

Leisure

In his leisure time, Melvin enjoyed anything that involved family, reminiscing about life in Georgia, and music. In fact, this summer he learned how to make a playlist and true to form he made more than one. He also loved tending to his lawn, riding his John Deere, making his grass as plush as an indoor carpet with good padding, gardening, shopping for Christmas lights any time of the year, and decorating for Christmas! He also enjoyed a good craft show, cake and ice cream, and any chance to be with family, even if it was riding to take his granddaughters to hours of dance.

The Final Sleepover

In the middle of the night on March 3, the day after the passing of his sister, Betty, 17 years prior, he surrendered to the Lord. After nearly 6 different treatment regimens and years of living in joy as he tried to kick cancer’s butt, he joined his wife, mother, siblings, and many family and friends in Heaven.

Desiring a celebration of life while he was still here to enjoy it (aka Mock Funeral as he called it), he was surrounded by a constant stream of friends, family, and care providers. On the night before his last night, after all visits stopped, his daughter, son-in- love, and granddaughters read scripture, played some of his favorite musical selections, read a story (The Gift that I can Give), prayed, and played videos sent by others. The next night, Taylor may have quite literally hugged him to death before we tucked him in and slept by his side. Not even an hour went by, Chanelle woke to check on him and he had peacefully dipped out of our final sleepover early. He passed quietly in the night, true to his fashion: peacefully, and without making a fuss. And at that moment, he had lingered as long as he could.

Survivors

Melvin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Darlene, his parents, Essie and Waymon, stepmother Hattie Mae, his siblings, Classie Foster, Betty Gonzalez, Bernice Criddell, Virgina Bishop and Mann Miller.

He leaves to honor his memory:

Devoted Daughter: Dr. Chanelle Tiffani Bishop-Gilyard, his best friend, body guard, biggest fan, turned personal doctor

Favored Son-in-Love: Kenneth A. Gilyard II, loved son at heart

Treasured Granddaughters: Taylor Chanelle, Layla Kennedy, Kaycee Victoria

Siblings-in-Love: Marlene F. Book, Dianne L. Fletcher, Walter L. Fletcher, Carrie Miller

Adored Nephews: Larry Foster (Michelle), Christopher Bishop, Marion Criddell, Charles F. Book, William Miller, Milton Miller, Danny Miller, Bill Miller, and deceased BB Miller and Fred Criddell)

Favorite Nieces: (Bertie (), Merline Hurts (Herman), Jeannette Bridges (Michael), Pamela Clement (John), and Nedra Williams

Cherished cousins: Lily Mae, Barbara, Pat, Kenny, Gib, Kurt, Linda, Geneva, Mary, Mary Ann, George, Thelma, Carolyn, Bubba, and more.

A host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Fondly referred to as Uncle Melvin, Mr. Bishop, Daddy, Pop Pop, Mel and Mayben. He loved and was loved by many. The life vest may have come off his chest, but the “S” on his chest remains forever! He was and always will be, our Superman.

Legacy

In a room full of friends and family, he said “Please don’t forget me”. May one of the most significant things you remember about Mel be:

“Believe in the good and be the good”,

“Make everyone feel like someone and let them know how much they mean”

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19)

- Demonstrate patience, self-control, and wisdom

The Last Word

When Melvin shared his vision for what he playfully called his “mock funeral,” he made one thing clear: he wanted to have the last word. In his honor, his family wishes to share the sentiments that truly defined his spirit.

To his daughter, his nightly refrain was a constant source of comfort: “Thank you, take care of yourself, Nelle, I love you.” And to the many family members who gathered by his side during those final, emotional visits, his parting wish was a simple, protective command that echoed his lifelong role as a patriarch: “Take care of yourselves.” It is well!

You are invited to a Celebration of Melvin’s Life

A viewing for Melvin will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 9:30 AM at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 1110 Snyder Rd., West Lawn, PA 19609. A celebration of life service will promptly commence in church at 10:30 AM. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606.

Donations and Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in his memory to:

St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. An organization Melvin donated to all his life to support children and their families affected by cancer.

Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Glad Tidings Assembly of God. The church where Melvin and Darlene were dedicated members, baptized, and led New Believers class. He fully supported their mission of “ Reaching People, Growing Together In Christ”.

- Student Scholarships to support youth growing in Christ Give | GT Church - Reading, PA

- GT satellite campus recently started to expand outreach to people from City of Reading Give | GT Church - Reading, PA

Bethel A.ME. Church, Reading PA. Melvin’s first church home with family where his mother was a faithful servant.

Checks can be mailed to: 330 W. Windsor St, Reading PA 19601

Words of Thanks

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many healthcare professionals who were part of Melvin’s journey, with a special thank you to the unwavering love and support from the McGlinn Cancer Center and Infusion Team, TowerHealth Hematology, Abramson Cancer Center at University of Pennsylvania, Hackensack Meridian Health, Paoli Hospital of Mainline Health, Mercy Home Health, TowerHealth Emergency Department, Interventional Radiology, and the Team on N South.

A heartfelt thanks also goes to all the family and friends who have supported our family over the very difficult three years starting with the life-threatening blood clot Melvin experienced, to his diagnosis, the loss of his wife, and his passing. He knew what each person did to support he and his family and a day did not go by that he was not appreciative for those individuals.

Kenny for your never batting an eye lash or even saying a word when our lives flipped upside down and just jumping in with your unwavering support in every way. Taylor, girl, your indescribable love, support, and literally being by your grandparents side in a way that no one could imagine a child turned teen would be. Aunt Dianne, there will never be enough words… we could not have lived life and kept it as normal as possible for our girls without you. No matter the time or day or circumstance, you have ALWAYS been here for each of us. Aunt Bonnie, your maintaining traditions, sharing collections of photos from happier times, daily visits and stays with Dad and I providing comfort and company and help navigating the medical scene and giving me breaks to sleep, feeding us in the hospital, at your home, and to go. Uncle Walter, your visits and daily check ins and motivating words (“God’s Grace and Mercy” has new meaning), Charlie, they joy your visits brought to Dad, your showing up at the moments I needed support and you might not have even known just how much and your treats for us and the staff. Pam and John, your daily calls, your powerful prayers and reminder that “It was already written in the book”, family gatherings, being with us during the difficult days following his passing, and helping us secure a really cool spot for what the kids call “the halftime show” repass. Larry and Michelle for the help with infusion rides home when needed, strong prayer, and visits, and having the “kids” be able to visit Dad. Nedra for the daily calls following Mom’s passing and humor and allowing Dad to watch DW grow through Facetime, Jeannette for the last family Christmas celebration as we would know it, the visits to the hospital so we could leave to get him ice cream, coming with food and fellowship the evening of his passing, check in messages in the days that followed. Mike for your daily messages to me, Dad, and Kenny, and honoring Dad’s request by coming to visit him. Michelle for dropping your plans after work and joining us the day Dad was admitted and for a welcomed drop off of your chicken noodle soup. Geneva for getting Dad excited and motivated by a simple phone call, JPO family for your positive vibe, visits, memories, and words of praise.

Pastor Scott for calling at the exact moment that Dad and the family needed it the most as if ordered by God 😊 and coming to visit and pray while Dad was in the hospital and to hosting his Celebration of Life. So many thanks and if we missed someone, charge it to our grief not our hearts.