757.628.1000

Melvin Kenneth Cypress


Sunrise: May 11, 1950

Sunset: September 29, 2020

Mr. Melvin Kenneth Cypress was born on May 11, 1950 in the union of the late Robert P. and Irene McMillan Cypress of Surry County, Virginia. Melvin peacefully entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Theodore Cypress.

At an early age, Melvin accepted Jesus Christ and served as a faithful servant at Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church where he served as a faithful Steward.  Later in life, he joined New Mount Zion A.M.E. Church where he held his membership and served as a devoted trustee. His passion was worshipping by singing the songs of praises in the church choir.  Melvin was a servant of God that truly embraces his faith, trust and deliverance through his life journey.

Melvin was a proud 1968 graduate of Surry County High school.  Shortly after, he was called to duty and enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country until honorably discharged on February 1, 1976. Melvin graduated from the esteemed Norfolk State University in 1978, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Industrial Education. Melvin’s professional journey commenced as an Electrical Instructor at Purden Vocational Technical School in Suffolk, Virginia. Later, he was gainfully employed as a Computer Logistics Engineer with Huntington Ingalls Industries.  During the timeline of his full-time employment, Melvin was fortunate to establish his own business for over 30 years, Cypress Electrical, LLC.  Throughout the years, Melvin was grateful to have met so many clients that developed into long lasting personal relationships.

Melvin leaves to treasure his lasting memories, his loving wife of 48 years, Diane J. Cypress of Norfolk, Virginia; sweetheart daughter, Sherrond Bell (Darren) of Surry County, Virginia; two sisters, Linda Lewis (Terry) and Cathy Cypress (Pearl) of Surry County, Virginia; two brothers, Elder Charles Cypress (Pearl) of Surry County, Virginia and Glenn Cypress of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law, Cynthia Cypress of Woodbridge, Virginia; adopted sister, Claudia Sledge of Richmond, Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Effortlessly, Melvin made it a priority in being in attendance for celebrations, graduation ceremonies and holidays. He believed in capturing every moment as a pursuit of devotion to his dear family and friends.

Melvin was engaged as a dedicated volunteer in various sectors. He served as the Coordinator of the Betty Brown Food Pantry for 15 years in Norfolk, Virginia. Melvin was gracious with having the opportunity to let his light shine as a servant of God through the food ministry. Also, Melvin was a member of the Ballentine Civic League Association in making a difference in the community.

Melvin was an incredibly special man of God that exemplified compassion, humbleness, generosity and loyalty to family, friends, and everyone that he encountered. He embodied a tender spiritual kindness of love with everyone that he met. While Melvin loved to go fishing and working in his precious garden, he found a sense of peace, serenity, and a divine closeness with God. Melvin was a big fan and always cheering on the Atlanta Braves!

Melvin will certainly be missed by all his dear family and friends. The voice of Dear Melvin is still and if he could speak today, he would say, “It is well, all is well with my soul.”

Viewing Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Wednesday, October 7, 2020 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Albert G. Horton Veteran Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(24)

  1. reply
    Carroll Briggs Holland says

    Condolences to the family of Melvin Cypress. I remember him from our school days at L.P. Jackson Elementary and High School in Dendron, VA back in the day even though we were not classmates. He was always quiet and very polite. I pray that God will comfort you during this time and give you peace as you reflect on the life of your love one.

  2. reply
    Patricia Parson-Stoker says

    My condolences to the Cypress family in the loss of Melvin ? May God give you all the strength needed to get through this difficult time! Peace and prayers ???

  3. reply
    Flossy Possey says

    Sherron & Monica,
    It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of your father and uncle. It is the love of family & friends that will comfort you in these days. Be encouraged. Take one day at a time. We will get through this together, the best way we know how. Love you ladies and we are praying for you both and your families.

  4. reply
    Janet Woodford & your Atlanta Family says

    My deepest condolences to my cousin and family Diane Cypress. .Your love will always be in your heart Continue RIP In Heaven

  5. reply
    Shanda Jenkins says

    You are loved and cared for during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I am keeping you in prayer. Love you.

  6. reply
    Keith McCabe says

    My deepest sympathy to Diane and the Cypress family. I will always honor the friendship I had with Melvin. We met on the job over 30 yrs ago. He would always call me” Bro Mack” with a smile, always helping me and my family with his electrical expertise. I thank God for a true friend like Melvin. Rest in paradise with our Lord, “Bro Melvin”

  7. reply
    Larry Kinton says

    My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. I have fond memories of Aunt Irene, Uncle Bob and all of their children from childhood visits to Surry Co. The Cypresses are a kind, compassionate and loving family. That spirit will live on with the passing of Melvin.

  8. reply
    Calvin Sledge says

    Calvin and Carolyn Sledge
    Would like to express our deepest concern for your lost. Praise God for the hope that is in us that we mourn not without hope. Melvin has gone on to Glory.Bless all those who experienced his life example, to God be the Glory

  9. reply
    Diane Linnette says

    My condolences to Mrs. Diane and family. Mr. Melvin was a humble and kind man. May God keep you all in his loving peace.

  10. reply
    Richard & Lorraine Thompson says

    Our sincere condolences to Dianne and the rest of the Cypress family. Melvin had a kind and sweet soul; always willing to help anyone in any way that he could. He will truly be missed.

    We will continue to pray God’s comfort and strength for the family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord. He is now looking down upon you all as your guardian angel. May God continue to bless you in a mighty way.

  11. reply
    Frances Laveau says

    My Condolences to Diane and the Cypress Family :
    Melvin Cypress was indeed a Wonderful, Kind, and
    Generous Neighbor . His Uplifting Presence is Greatly Missed. Peace and Comfort to You All . ?

  12. reply
    Donnell and Charlene Cephus says

    Our hearts and prayers goes out to Diane and the Cypress family. Melvin was a kind hearted person, always willing to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.

    ❤?

  13. reply
    Deborah Ward says

    My condolences to the Cypress family. May God surround you all with His Peace and Love at this time!!! May He continue to bless and keep the Cypress family.

  14. reply
    Dr. Aleasa Chapman says

    I am praying for the family. Cousin Melvin was a very kind and gentle man. We will miss him.

    Dr. Aleasa Pretlow Chapman

  15. reply
    William Bond says

    My condolence to my co-worker and friend. You are missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

  16. reply
    Jeff & Anna Wroblewski says

    We truly miss Mel already. His sweet spirit generated from his Christian character; trained up in his Godly community was and really still is a great encouragement to us all. His steadfast reliability; his humility and generosity knows no bounds. His wisdom; knowledge and understanding strengthened us all also. He is easy to admire; and we truly appreciate our dear friend. Diane; family; thank you for sharing Mel with us; and may the Lord of all comfort lift you up and fill you with His knowledge; His wisdom; His understanding; His generosity and His encouragement over the course this season takes; and may you be comforted by knowing Him and the power of His resurrection; amen.

  17. reply
    Edith Claiborne says

    My prayer is that God will give you peace during this time. Melvin was my classmate and a dear friend.I will always remember him for always being very quiet and very respectful. R.I P. Friend

  18. reply
    Anthony J Wooden says

    May your memories of a Godly man bring you comfort in the coming days. Melvin and I graduated LP Jackson together and he was everything that has been said. I saw him recently and it was like time stood still. He was the same Melvin as I remember from our high school days. We caught up on family and our life journeys. May you rest in heavenly peace.

  19. reply
    Brenda Richardson-Brown says

    May our Lord and Saviour be with the entire Cypress family during this time. May God’s love continue to comfort you. Stay strong in his Love.

  20. reply
    Lynn Godfrey says

    To Diane, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I cross you and Melvin’s path way back during the NSU days and the black consciousness movement. I remember Melvin as his obit depicts. A sweet, honorable soul, a kind soul. A life well lived, may his memory be a blessing and his legacy honored.

  21. reply
    Linda Price Reynolds says

    May God give you strength, comfort, and peace as you cherish sweet memories of Melvin.
    I was happy that I got to see Melvin at our class reunion. He sang and I recorded some of the song. I have that memory to listen to and remember his beautiful voice. He’ll be singing in that heavenly choir now. God bless and keep you all.

  22. reply
    Mary Ann Cade-Canty says

    Thank you………, Glory!!!

  23. reply
    Elder Frank & Vanessa Jones says

    It is with a sincere sadness of heart that I offer my prayers and condolences in the homegoing of my friend, neighbor, and Brother in Christ. I will always cherish the memories of the extended conversations we shared about our faith, our neighborhood, nature, and life in general. It was always a pleasure to be in Brother Melvin’s company….. such a joy and spark of life! God called, Melvin answered and we, in faith, understand that his assignment is complete. He made us better and leaves a legacy of what it means to love thy neighbor. May God continue to bless you as only He can.

  24. reply
    Henry and Michelle Thompson says

    Henry & Michelle Thompson says”

    Sister and Mother Irene Cypress lived,sang and believed and found comfort in the hymn “By and By:” that. now that Melvin has entered that land of perfect day, when Christ washes our tears away …we/he will understand it better by and by and is there to welcome you and prove HIM, the Christ, as we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for I/you/them.” (Romans 8:28)

    Our condolences to the family,

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