He is married to the former Becky B. Fennell. He was blessed with five children. Kiyonte Fennell, Lakeidah Melvin, Kyree Johnson, Kiera Fennell, and Kishawna Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memories his sons, Kiyonte (Amy) and Kyree of Fayetteville, NC; daughters, Lakeidah, Kiera, and Kishawna all of Fayetteville, NC; sisters, Helen Gaddie (William, deceased) of Fayetteville, NC and Cynthia Mathis (Matt) of Roswell GA; brothers, Robert Johnson (Delores) of Fayetteville, NC, Wayne Johnson (Delora) of Newport News, VA, Rickie Johnson (Emmy) of Clayton, NC, Eddie Melvin, Willie O. Melvin, and Carl Melvin of Fayetteville, NC; nineteen grandchildren; a special friend, Sally Nance Walters of Fayetteville, NC, and her daughters Callie and Miya Walters of Rockville, MD; aunts, Clara Ferguson and Darlene Melvin of Chicago, IL; uncles, Charles Melvin and Donald Melvin of Fayetteville, NC; two God daughters, Conisha Melvin and Zenobia Quarles of Fayetteville, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
At an early age Kelvin was baptized and joined Greater First Baptist Church at the age of eleven. He sang in the Buds of Promise Choir, and the Junior Choir, attended Sunday School, Bible study and church regularly. As a parent he reared his children and lead them to church. In addition, he always made sure his grandchildren came to rehearsals to sing in the choir and to participate in other church activities. He overcame many obstacles and was never willing to accept defeat. Kelvin always said, “I Pray and God Somehow Always Make a Way.”
Kelvin was educated in the Cumberland County schools and graduated in the class of 1982. He was very athletic. He was on the high school wrestling, football, and track and field teams. He won numerous trophies in each sport. He was most proud of his wrestling accomplishments in which he was an individual state champion contender for all three years of high school. Although he was of a small stature, he was a giant of a man. He worked in various types of industrial companies (lining, furniture, poultry, cotton mills, etc.) in the Fayetteville, NC area.
He loved cooking and taking care of his family. He always entertained others by having cook outs with free food for as many that were willing to visit. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and they were always first in his life. He instilled in them the concept of family, by making sure that they enjoyed and celebrated special days together; especially Sundays, birthdays and holidays were never missed without him cooking the biggest meal he could imagine, oftentimes. an overwhelming amount of food.
Many of the young persons around Cedar Creek depended on Kelvin and to many he was known as Uncle Kelvin. He loved people and the Cedar Creek community knew that his home was a place they were welcome. Kelvin dedicated his life as a servant to his family and friends. He provided special care for his mother, his sister, Helen, and his grandson Jamal, as well as his other grandchildren whenever care was needed at home. He attended church as often as he could while providing them with love and care.
He was a true patriarch of the family and if anyone needed guidance, many of them came to Kelvin. He was happiest when entertaining others, watching sports, and spending his moments with his family.
Kelvin supported the church, his family, and many friends. He fed many at his table and he opened his door to strangers. To those that needed relief he gave his best. He lent to others, even when he had lack.
Kelvin, you are still a great athlete and a champion in the sport of life. You will be missed by so many. His favorite words, “Well, I’m Not Going to Worry About a Thing.” Rest on Kelvin. The Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matt. 25:21, NKJV). Finally, there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness. “
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