Helen Louise Gunn Melvin was born on March 23, 1939 in Columbus, MS to Spencer Gunn Sr. and Eula Louise Kyles.  She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was currently a member of Greater Mt. Zion Church.

She taught school at Brooksville Elementary School for several years before meeting her husband, Leslie Melvin.  She later moved to Alaska.  Mrs. Melvin and her family moved back to Mississippi where she took up her career in teaching at Caledonia Elementary School for over 30 years.  Simultaneously, she also worked part-time for Kmart for over 20 years. Helen Melvin was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend and God's servant. She studied music at Okalona Cumunity College where she receive a degree in music and later preceded to Alcorn University with a degree in  Home Economics. She found her passion of teaching and the joy of being with children to be her true calling in life. She is a strong  Participant in  School Alumni Functions and Traveling events.

Mrs. Melvin was dedicated to her church and community.  She enjoyed serving others and dedicated her life for those in need.  She was also a mentor, a leader and mother to many.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Melvin; parents; her siblings, Johnny Gunn, James Gunn, Jenny Gunn, Spencer Gunn, Willie George Gunn, Robert Lee Gunn and Mary Gunn; one brother-in-law, Rev. L.C. Cooper.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories:  her children, CaTrena Melvin of Plano, TX, Ronald (Tiffany Dawn) Melvin of Leesville, LA, Donald (Lacretia) Melvin of Hindsville, GA; one sister, Carlee Cooper of Akron, OH; her grandchildren, Kyree Evans, Donte Evans, Dewlia Alexus Melvin, Jewelian Melvin, Donyelle Melvin; beloved other children, Gerald Melvin, Leslie Yvonne Lyund and Victor Melvin all of Fayetteville, NC, Anthony E. (Carmella) Melvin, Pastor Michael (Patricia) Melvin,  Sandra D. Melvin, Brian Melvin, Brittany Melvin, Kimberly Melvin-Thomas, Kellee Melvin Dameus, Kacey Melvin, Kellin Melvin, Kortney Melvin, Marcus Melvin and Michael A. Melvin.  She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.