Miriam S. Melián

Miriam Sanchez-Parodi Melián, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 5, 2021, at her home in Jacksonville, Florida, after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Miriam was born on January 5, 1934, in Consolacion del Sur, Cuba.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon Q Sanchez-Parodi and Raquel Sanchez-Parodi; her brother Oscar Sanchez-Parodi; and granddaughter, Nicole Esther Campo. She is survived by her husband, Reverend Rafael M. Melián; children Ralph Melian (Terri) of New Orleans, LA; Miriam Crellin (Pat) of Pflugerville, TX; and Ralin Melian of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Ralin Michelle Trosclair (Rusty); Paul Melian (Melissa); Sam Campo (Kristie); great-grandchildren Kassandra, Xander, and Walker Trosclair; Hudson, Kaylee, and Emma Campo; and her siblings Ramon Sanchez-Parodi, Ernesto Sanchez-Parodi (Esther), Rachel Sanchez-Parodi (Oscar), Milton Sanchez-Parodi (Linda), Michael Sanchez-Parodi (Beverly), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Miriam married Rafael M. Melián on April 22, 1954. Together, they ministered to rural towns of central Cuba, pastoring several Baptist churches before leaving with their family as refugees on January 11, 1962. The mission field was always an integral part of Miriam’s life as a pastor’s wife, and this work continued in the US for over 32 years in Home and Language Missions for the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisiana and Florida.

Miriam earned a degree in Religious Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1969. She received a B.A. in Foreign Language Education from Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1972 and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University in 1980. She had a 20-year career in education, teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages as well as Spanish to high school students.

In her later years, Miriam continued serving the Lord as an active member in various Florida Baptist churches. She was passionate in ministry to Cuba through Aliento Cuba, a ministry planted by her spark of vision. This mission focuses on spiritual and humanitarian needs of people living in small rural areas of Cuba, letting them know about God’s love and assisting with their financial needs.

The family would like to thank the physicians and medical staff of Baptist Medical Center South and MD Anderson in Jacksonville, Florida, for their attention and care of Miriam during her battle with ovarian cancer. The family appreciates the kind and caring staff of Community Hospice & Palliative Care during Miriam’s final days. In keeping with Miriam’s generous spirit, it was her decision to donate her body. A family graveside service will take place in Pflugerville, TX on a future date.

For memorial contributions honoring the life of Miriam S. Melián, the family has designated Aliento Cuba P. O. Box 2292, Morgan Hill, CA. 95038, or online donation https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/aliento.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.