Pastor Elder Melvin E. Johnson, 65, departed this life Monday, June 5, 2023, at his residence.

Pastor Melvin was born in Saltville, Virginia, on March 29, 1958. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1976, and earned an associate degree in architectural drafting from Virginia Highland Community College in 1978.

Pastor Melvin was musical from a young age, learning to sing, and play piano, guitar, bass, and whatever else he could get his hands on. Through the years Pastor Melvin was a part of many musical groups including: Evidence, New Horizon, Young and Faithful, The Southwest Virginia Mass Choir, One Accord, and most recently, Preach 24/7. It was evident to anyone that knew Pastor Melvin that he had a love and talent for music because he was often seen tapping his foot, humming, singing, and creating music. Andraé Crouch and Fred Hammond were among his favorites.

Pastor Melvin grew up in Mt. Calvary under Bishop Allen Lewis and Bishop David T. Jones; he accepted the Lord his senior year of high school. Pastor Melvin received his calling to go into ministry while playing music during a church service. He tried to avoid the calling but soon accepted the plan God had for his life and completed his certificate of ministry through United Holy Church, Inc. in 1999. Shortly after, he was installed as Pastor of Mt. Calvary Community Church following the late Elder Kenneth Carter, Sr. in 2000.

Pastor Melvin was a superb shepherd of Mt. Calvary for 23 years. His calm and cool demeanor secured him the nickname "Pastor Smooth" from Elder Kelly Pete. He often preached about God's love for us and the necessity to love one another. His passion for this subject was evident in the way he lived and treated people. Pastor Melvin never met a stranger and truly seemed to know and care for everyone in the community. In 2003 Pastor Melvin was awarded the Tri-Cities Image Award for his loving personality and kind heart.

Though Pastor Melvin's calling was in ministry, he spent several years designing furniture for major hotel chains. He was also an avid community member working with the  F.I.R.E. and F.R.O.G. Youth Camps, Men with a Vision, Club 121, the Bristol Chapter of the Ministerial Alliance, and his favorite, Mt. Calvary's Youth Day. Pastor Melvin loved the comradery, giving, and fellowship of Youth Day and being able to give back to the community.

Pastor Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Johnson.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Dianna Johnson; three children, Bethané (Harvey) Chambers, Amber Johnson, and Xavier Johnson; granddaughter, Cleo Johnson; two sisters, Linda (Ronnie) Montgomery and Carrie (Mitchell) Clark; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Michael) Jackson, Donna (Clark) Surber, Pamela Ames, and Angela (Jarrett) Preston; his two twin brothers in Christ, Matthew Chapman and Charles Debord; spiritual son, Josh Mosley; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.