Our beloved mother, Melvina Sanderlin-Simmons, 70, passed away on April 7, 2024, in Norfolk, Virginia after battling Breast Cancer.
Melvina was born in Windsor, North Carolina on December 3, 1953, and predeceased by her mother, Fannie R Sanderlin, father Lewis T Sanderlin, and biological father William Kelly Etheridge; her daughter Valisha S. Sanderlin; and siblings: Verna Mae Sanderlin, Mary Smallwood, Dorothy Sanderlin Bond, Sarah Sanderlin, Edward Sanderlin, Norman Sanderlin, Turner Sanderlin, Beula Merritt, Zanobia Gail Watson, William K. Etheridge Jr., and Orville A. Etheridge.
Melvina grew up in Bertie County where she graduated from Bertie High School in 1971. She later moved to Norfolk, VA where she attended Kee Business College, modeled for local fashion outlets, and became a 911 dispatcher for the City of Norfolk.
She was a faithful member of Gospel Light Outreach Ministries (GLO Center), in Norfolk. Before her illness, Melvina was an usher and an active member within other ministries.
Melvina is known for her love of music, all things fashion, butterflies, elephants, and plants. She loved the Braywood residents and the community they created. She loved to cook for all those who visited and if you ever needed anything, you could count on her having it available. Melvina was very creative and resourceful. She loved sewing, knitting, and making various flower arrangements. Her favorite pastime was reading the Bible, playing scrabble, working a good crossword or search and find puzzle, and in her more mobile days, playing cards with her beloved card club friends.
Melvina leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters: Christel (Larry) Lyons, who has been her biggest health care advocate and emotional/mental protector and Lakisha (Daniel) Speller, who was her primary caregiver before her hospital admission. She is preceded by her daughter, Valisha Sanderlin; who was her songstress, biggest cheerleader, and twin to Lakisha.
Melvina is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Christel: DezE’rae Sanderlin, Antonio Fenner, Lorenzo (Kionta) Lyons, and Chyna Jenkins; Valisha: VaNaey Sanderlin; and Lakisha: Adrian Speller, Jordan Speller, and Morgan Speller.
Sisters, nieces, nephews and many “family” members.
Condolences(5)-
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Brenda Speller Warrenn says
April 10, 2024 at 7:06 pmI met my lovely friend Melvina back in 1977, decades of memories will always remain in my heart. She was like a sister to me. Will miss you dearly my butterfly 🦋
Rosa Moore says
April 11, 2024 at 1:10 pmTo the Sanderlin-Simmons family. We, the Moore family come with heavy hearts. Melvina was a part of our family too, she was such a kind and loving soul. Melvina touched our lives in so many ways, the gentle voice, the caring spirit. Stacy, take comfort in knowing you are not alone in your time of grief. Hold on to God’s unchanging hand, as we know you will. Rest in Paradise (RIP) Melvina, until we meet again. We will miss you.
Love from the ❤️ heart. The Moore Family.
Barbara McClary (Freeman) says
April 11, 2024 at 1:30 pmMy condolences to the Sanderlin-Simmons family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as I know this must be extremely difficult for you. Even though I have very little memory of Cousin, the one memory that I do have, is her taking care of me during sleep overs with my cousins. I had an extremely bad nosebleed on one occasion, and she was up with me for hours. Between her and my cousins. You will always be remembered. I love you family. Rest in Peace Cousin Melvina.
Sending love from Barbara & The Freeman family.
Cedric/Lanora Sanderlin says
April 12, 2024 at 11:14 amOur condolences. She will be truly missed until we see her again. We have this blessed hope that we will, as Jesus Christ is the hope of glory. May the Lord comfort her children especially and the entire family. We love you Christel, Lakisha, and family.
God bless,
Cedric and Lanora Sanderlin
Lanita G Etheridge Wimberly says
April 12, 2024 at 11:56 amRest peacefully in Heaven, Aunt Melvina. You were loved and will be missed.