Celebration of Life

Melvin “Mel” O’Neil Smith, was born April 13, 1941 to the union of Herman and Ezel A. (Dominguez) Smith. Melvin departed this life peacefully on Tuesday December 27, 2016 in Suwanee Georgia. 

Melvin was a long time resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana until he moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area with his wife, Sahida Morrison-Smith in 1996.

While residing in Fort Wayne, Melvin enjoyed serving his community. He was one of the earlier Black Expo Chairmen, and he also served as both past President and Vice President of the City Planning Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mel also served as the past President of the Three Rivers Festival and a member of the Urban League Board. Mel and his love for cars led him to become the President, and one of the Founders of the original Fort Wayne Corvette Club.

Mel had an impressive tenure with General Electric that spanned over 30 years. In his last position, prior to retirement, he was Manager for the Hermetic Motors department and the Aircraft Space Controls at the General Electric (Lockheed Martin) Company. He was a graduate of South Side High School where he was an avid track star and a graduate of Indiana University.

Mel leaves to cherish his memory, his wonderful loving wife, Sahida of Suwanee, Georgia; sons, Timothy (Karen) Smith of Fort Wayne and Derrick A. Minniefield of Largo Florida; daughters, Sherry (Pastor Isaac) Fincher Jr. and Ayesha (Edward) James both of Fort Wayne; father-in-law, Robert Blanks of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; sister-in-law, Sahira (Reginald) Black of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law, Mark (Marsha) Blanks of Cleveland, Ohio; niece, Tiffany (Reno) Smith-Anoa’i of Los Angeles, California and a host of beautiful grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman O. Smith; mother, Ezel A. Smith and brother, Marvin “Sweet Louie” Smith of the Checkmates.

I’m Free

Don’t  grieve for me, for now I’m free;

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I found that peace at the close of the day.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much-good friends, good times, and a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief; don’t lengthen it now with undo grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now - He set me free.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Ellis Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. “The Family” asks for your prayers during their time of bereavement and to join them in their love and celebration for the life of their beloved, “Mel”.

 Service Information