Melvin Hillman Sr.

Melvin Hillman was born to the late Mack and Nellie B. Hillman September 26,1923 in Eufaula, Alabama where they nourished him with Christian values which served him well from childhood through adulthood. Unconditional love for his family, a wonderful sense of humor, acts of kindness, compassion, generosity, hospitality, and the desire to serve came naturally. Melvin spoke fondly of growing up with his siblings in Eufaula. In addition to the games they played, there were chores before and after school: tending the vegetable garden and fruit trees, helping his mother with canning, making great tasting apple and fig jellies and cooking. Just a few years ago you could find him in the kitchen preparing a meal. His breakfast special, of creamy, buttery grits, eggs, sausage, toast, and orange juice, was a family favorite. Melvin attended the public schools of Eufaula and remembered his favorite teachers at Van Buran High School. Once a month the family faithfully began preparations for Sunday service at Thankful Baptist Church in Eufaula. That early spiritual training never departed and years later Melvin joined New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, GA., where he continued to grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Melvin’s work in construction took him from Eufaula to Rome, Georgia, Montgomery, Alabama, Florida and eventually Brooklyn, New York where he enjoyed a successful career in carpentry. After retirement in 1987, he relocated to Ellenwood, Georgia with his wife, Essie, daughter Latasha and granddaughter, Shiresse. Not long after moving to Ellenwood he drove to the family home in Eufaula, selected a fig tree and replanted it at their new home. When the tree produced its first fruits, he said the figs were “as sweet as ever.” Neighbors he knew and people he did not know enjoyed the fruit. On December 10, 2021, Melvin answered the heavenly call to come Home. Preceding him in death are his wife: Essie Scott Hillman; son: Melvin Hillman, Jr.; sister: Nellie Mack Hillman; brothers: Curline Hillman, Ulysees Hillman, Sr., and Solomon Hillman. He leaves to cherish his memory : daughters: Lola Hillman, Irvington, N.J., LaVerne ( Jesse ) Redd, Freehold, N.J., Katrina Artist, Brooklyn, N.Y., Latasha Hillman , Lithonia , Ga.; son : Milbert Hillman, Durham , N.C.; grandchildren : Jessica Redd, MyAsia Beard, Christian Crabb , Makiya Hillman, Shiresse Gourdine, Rashaun Crawley , Tifferny Simmons , Sherina Johnson , Milbert Hillman , Eddie May , Keira Perry; great grandchildren , Xavier Williams, Noah Gourdine, Chloe Gourdine; stepchildren : Linda Gourdine (Steve ) Hunt, Springfield Gardens, N.Y., Cynthia (Kennis) Kelley , Decatur, Ga. , Leon Gourdine , Brooklyn, N.Y., Harvey, Gourdine , Brooklyn, N.Y. ; nieces ; nephews : Ulysees Hillman , Jr., Solomon Hillman; sister in law: Katherine Scott McIver; brothers in law: Brooks Scott, Jr., Leonard (Gloria) Scott; cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Melvin Hillman Sr.

September 28, 1923 - December 10, 2021