Melvina Simpson Smith was born on August 25, 1931 in Malvina, Mississippi in Bolivar County to Pim Henry Simpson and Ella Mae Ross-Simpson.  She attended Cleveland Schools and later transferred to Number 7 School, now known as Julia Armstrong) and on to Coleman High School in Greenville, Mississippi.

Melvina was baptized at the age of 11 in 1942 at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland, Mississippi by Reverend R.L. Skipper.  She joined Pilgrim Home Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W.M. Walton where she has been a faithful member for over 75 years.  She has served on the Usher Board and in the choir.

It was at Pilgrim Home where she met the love of her life, Manuel Smith.  They were united in Holy Matrimony on June 22, 1947.  To this union, six children were born.  They were married for almost 72 years before her husband's transition on June 3, 2019.

Melvina was employed with the Greenville School District Cafeteria for 41 years and retired in 1994.  She enjoyed cooking, singing, reciting poems, working her word search puzzle books and watching game shows.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death was her husband:  Manuel Smith; her parents:  Pim Henry and Ella Mae Simpson; (2) brothers:  Pim Henry, Jr. and Hilton Simpson; (1) sister:  Lottie Mae Hicks and (1) grandson:  Derrick Young.

She will forever be remembered by her (2) sons:  Reverend Dr. Emanuel (Diana) Smith, Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana and Calvin (Patricia) Smith of Greenville, Mississippi and her (4) daughters:  Ella (Tilman) Darden of Chicago, Illinois, Gloria Smith-Jenkins, Loretta Smith Redmon and Rosie (Glenn) Davis of Greenville, Mississippi.  She leaves a grandson that she raised, Darryl Whitehead of Kansas City, Missouri; a niece she raised, Patricia Lewis of Greenville, Mississippi; a brother-in-law, T.J. Cox of Mobile, Alabama and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, godson (Quinn Newson), family, friends and church family.