On May 15, 2022, our beloved mother, Dellwood Melvin-Lumpkin (affectionately called Dell and “Grams” by her immediate family) was called home to be with the Lord. Dell was born to Spergeon and Nellie Melvin in Elizabethtown, N.C. Dell was the 7th child born to their union. Dell was predeceased by her parents and siblings; Iler Melvin, Alvin Melvin, Essie Chestnut, Verna Powell, Hazel Carroll, Roy Melvin, and Dorthey Melvin.

Dell attended public schools in Bladen County, NC. In the mid-50’s she migrated to New Haven and made it her home for over 40 years. During that time, in “Newhallville” she raised her children. Dell later moved to West Haven, CT with her husband William Lumpkin (deceased). Dell retired from New Haven Savings Bank after 25 years of service as a bank teller.

Dellwood was the proud mother of 6 children; Roland Melvin (Donna), Lynda Shaw-Sweeney (Ed), Sharon Melvin-James (Richard), Vincent Melvin (Janie), Natalie White, and Dawn Groomes (Jamal) whom she leaves to cherish her memory. She will be missed dearly by her grandchildren Garrett Cardoza (Christina), Camille White, Dontae Melvin (Denita), Raushaun James (Elisandra), Kamari James (Julia), Whitney White, Davonte Thompson, Danaihja Jordan, Dashawn Jordan, Damoni Groomes and by her great-grandchildren Dontae Melvin Jr., Alyssa Melvin, Nygel Congo, Leighton Congo, Dameer Alexander, Kamani James and the anticipated birth of another great-grand on June 5th.

Dell so loved the Lord and led by example in her teachings about the Bible with her children. While raising her children, she attended Community Baptist Church and sang in the church choir. Dell later joined Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church and continued to sing in the choir and made Immanuel Baptist her church home.

Dell had an intense sweet tooth. In her hay-day she was known for baking homemade cakes, banana pudding and sweet potato pies. In her later years, Grams loved the company of her grand and great grandchildren; and looked forward to them coming over to raid her cookie jar and to beat them in a game of Checkers! Dell enjoyed gardening and had a large variety of houseplants. Dell enjoyed reading novels of all kinds, especially mysteries and love stories. She also loved getting pampered at the Salons whether it was a roll-set, pedicure or manicure.

In Dell’s latter years she met her dear friend and companion, Soloman Brown (deceased). Dell leaves behind a host of friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be truly missed by her loved ones and will forever remain in our hearts!

A celebration of Dell’s life and legacy will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St., New Haven. The viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.