Born on April 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Melvin entered the world alongside his beloved twin sister, Evelyn to proud parents Lee Samuel and Mildred (Jones) Johnson. The twins shared a lifelong bond filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Their family was later completed by siblings Lee and Brenda. A proud Vietnam-era United States Army Veteran, Melvin honorably served his country while stationed in Stuttgart and cities across Germany as a Radio Communications Technician and Assistant Chaplain. 

He graduated from Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights, MI before continuing his education at Wayne State University, majoring in Medical Technology. He met a fellow student, Veronica Wilkerson, through beloved friends Wilbie and Willie Cobb at the Carlisle Avenue Church of Christ in Inkster, MI, and on November 3, 1973 they wed. Alongside his beloved Veronica he also became a Life Member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association. 

At the center of Melvin’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished patriarch. Together, Melvin and Veronica built a home grounded in faith and enduring devotion. They raised three accomplished children, Dichondra Rosalyn, Christopher Lee and Jonell Henry instilling in them the values of excellence, compassion, service, and perseverance. 

Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, Melvin faithfully served for decades as a song leader, mentor, and encourager within the Churches of Christ across Metro Detroit and Greater Lansing. Melvin was also a distinguished public servant, as a deputized sheriff securing Wayne County General Hospital and later contributed significantly to wastewater management efforts in both Wayne County and the City of Lansing. 

Known for his integrity, reliability, and courage, his heroic actions—including saving a colleague’s life—earned him recognition from former Lansing Mayors David Hollister and Virg Bernero. Mayor Andy Schor also honored him proclaiming a day in his honor for his dedicated service to the City of Lansing. 

He earned numerous technical and trade certifications and became certified in sign language communication through Madonna University, later sharing this gift as part of Elta Hambrick’s “Unity of Hands” faith-based sign language ministry in the 1980s. He also found joy in fellowship and friendly competition as an awardwinning amateur bowler in weekly bowling leagues throughout Metro Detroit and Greater Lansing for many years. Whether leading songs at church, serving his community, mentoring, sharing laughter with family, or enjoying warm conversations over coffee at a local diner, Melvin’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through love, laughter, service, wisdom, and song. 

Melvin peacefully went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2026, surrounded by his devoted and loving family. His life was one marked by unwavering faith, service to others, deep love for family, and a joyful spirit that touched countless lives. 

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Lee and Mildred Johnson; brother, Lee S. Johnson Jr.; father-in-law, James Henry Wilkerson; mother-in-law Alberta Dixon Wilkerson; and brother-in-law, Leroy Elliott. 

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Dr. Veronica (Wilkerson) Johnson; three children, Dichondra Rosalyn, Christopher Lee (wife Akinya Joy), and Jonell Henry; beloved grandson, Miles Michael Geiger; twin sister, Evelyn Johnson-Elliott; sister, Brenda Johnson-Estes (husband, Rev. Charles Estes, Sr.); dear childhood friend, Maurice Davison; former son-in-law, Michael Geiger, Jr., and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and church family. 

May his memory continue to bring faith, love, comfort, and joy to all who knew and loved him. 
God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16