Melvin Lymon

Melvin Lymon was born June 10, 1952, in Richton, Mississippi to the late Tommy and Vivian Lymon.

He departed this life on October 2, 2023, at his home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Lyman, twin brother, Marvin “Goodbuddy” Lymon; parents, Tommy and Vivian Lymon; and grandparents Frank and Ruby Lymon.

After graduation Melvin moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1972 following his brother Clint to begin new opportunities and learn as he went along.  Melvin met and married Kathryn Bumphurs in 1986, who he loved until his death. He was a loving and good dad to his daughters Mico and Shanika.  Melvin and Kathryn became foster parents in the early 1990s and opened their homes and hearts to nurture and love over 50 children, many of whom were still in his life.

Melvin loved the Lord and began his journey in faith by joining New Hope Baptist Church in Richton, Mississippi at an early age.  Melvin rededicated his life to Christ and he and his family were baptized and became members of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He became a Deacon and joined the board, sharing his faith in Sunday morning worship and was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  He shared his faith with whoever had ears to hear and he never waivered in his faith and always allowed Christ to use him to change lives.

Melvin was a lifelong Green Bay Packers and Dodgers fan. He became a member of the Minneapolis Masonic Lodge in 2017. Melvin loved people and loved to joke, remember one of his many jokes, “What’s black and white and read all over?” I know we all have heard that hundred times, and the answer was a “newspaper” the jokes and laughs never stopped coming!  Melvin had his mother’s heart of sharing and caring and never turning anyone away, and I loved that about him.  Melvin played many roles and never missed a beat;Minneapolis will miss Doc!

Melvin’s love for cooking started his career in catering and fine restaurants in the Minneapolis area. In his later years, Melvin found an opportunity and was hired by Hennepin County Public Hospital as a cook, he retired from the County in 2020.

Melvin leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Kathryn Bumphurs-Lymon, two daughters, Mico Lay (VA) and Shanika Bumphurs (MN); grandchildren, Nikki Lay and Jaylen Hobbs (VA), Victoria Bumphurs (TX), and Jasmine Bumphurs (MN); Brothers, Clint Lymon(MN), Tommie Troy Lymon (Maywood, IL), Richardand Johnny Lymon (Richton, Ms), Sisters, Ruth Hintonand Josephine Lymon (Richton,MS) ), Aunts, (Minnie Williams), (Chicago, IL), Rubye Jyles, (Richton, MS), Uncles (Willie Lymon, (Maywood, IL), John Lymon, Randolph Williams, (Chicago, IL) (Wiggins, MS) Brothers-in Laws Craig and Mark Bumphurs (MN); and special to his heart Marcus Luckett and Lorenzo Ford (MN) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Melvin will be laid to rest Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Sunrise Cemetery in Richton, Mississippi next to his parents, Tommy and Vivian Lymon and brother Marvin “Goodbuddy” Lymon.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church in Richton, MS, with Rev. Willie Frank Mitchell as the officiant.

There will be a viewing period Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the church, prior to the funeral.

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