Reflections of a Survivor

A Season to be Born

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." On October 1, 1937 he sent the heavenly angels Melzina and Adelina to their loving parents, Sam Sr and Victoria Calmese.

A Season to be Mourned

On Friday, December 4, 2020, at sunset our lord and savior called his angel, Melzina, to her eternal home where we hope to reunite with her someday. She is preceded in death by her parents, five brothers; George, Sam Jr., Jarl (Dan), Albert, Levi, and Samuel, and one sister Millie.

A Season to Journey

After her family relocated to St Louis MO, Melzina was educated in the St Louis public school system and she gave her life to Christ at an early age through baptism. Melzina worked as a household worker until she moved to Dallas in1983 and dedicated her life to her family. She helped her five children to raise their young families and instilled in each of them values of courtesy and discipline. Melzina constantly reminded her children and grandchildren to 'mind your P's and Q's' and to 'watch your mouth'. In addition­­ to her commitment to family, she worked at the Dallas Bulk Mail Center and Basin Construction Center.

A Season of Faithfulness and Courage

In 2005, Melzina moved to Tampa FL where she assisted multiple military families with childcare during contingency situations. Upon her return to Dallas in 2010 she continued to devote herself to keeping family ties close, giving constant love, guidance, nurturing, and cultivation long lasting friendships. Her courage in spite of multiple illnesses, hospitalizations, and partial blindness was a testimony of her unwavering strength and faith in God; making all those blessed to be in her life stronger.

A Season of Memories

Melzina leaves to cherish her memories her twin sister Adelina Lampkin, her sister Dorothy Burton, both of St Louis MO, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and her special friend/companion James (Jim) Powers.

Melzina's legacy will continue through her five children; Sheila (Stanley), Victoria, Angela, Richard III (Maquetha), and Lisa (Glenn), 17  grandchildren Yolanda/Lonnie Lou, Terrance (Brandy), Tawanda (Mike), Kendra, Anthony/Jay (Rotina), Wayne (Martha), Cameron/Buck, Angie, Richard IV (Chanelle), Valicia, Richard V (Robin), Kevin (Brenita), Lerente, Jauron, Stanita (Larry), Shelanita, Stanley, and Jacajun. 41 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.