Pastor Melvin C. Jones: A Life of Faith, Leadership, and Service

Early Life & Spiritual Foundation

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Pastor Melvin C. Jones, a native of West End, NC, was born on June 4, 1965, to Melvin and the late Evangelist Henrietta Jones. As the eldest of two children, he was raised with strong values, discipline, and a deep-rooted faith. His mother, a devout woman, instilled in him the importance of serving God and believing in his potential.

At the age of 16, he accepted Christ and joined St. Ruth United Church of God, where he faithfully served in various roles, including teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, minister, and assistant pastor. Blessed with the gifts of teaching, leadership, and service, he embraced his calling wholeheartedly.

Guided by his parents, strong church leadership, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Elder Jones grew both spiritually and personally. His ministry expanded as he moved to different cities, engaging in interdenominational and interracial fellowship. These experiences deepened his compassion, broadened his perspective, and strengthened his spiritual foundation.

A Calling to Serve

Commissioned by God to minister to both the church and the community, Pastor Melvin has a deep passion for young people, encouraging them to strive for excellence. One of his greatest commitments is serving those in need. He dedicated himself to Lynchburg Daily Bread, a soup kitchen and shelter in Lynchburg, VA, where he served as a volunteer, Board Member, Vice President, and ultimately President. Under his leadership, donations, food supplies, and meal distributions more than doubled.

His favorite Bible verse, Philippians 3:13, reflects his forward-looking faith:

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before."

Believing that through God all things are possible, he lives by the motto: "Failure is not an option."

Pastoral Leadership

Under the guidance of Pastor Lillian R. Kearns, Pastor Melvin spent eight years being mentored, trained, and prepared for leadership. Recognizing his readiness, Pastor Kearns and the congregation entrusted him with the pastoral mantle, which was officially passed to him on the third Sunday of March 2015.

Education & Professional Leadership

Pastor Melvin graduated from Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC. A proud Aggie, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Law Studies from Wake Forest University. He is also a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

After 36 ½ years at The Kroger Company, he retired from his distinguished career, having held multiple leadership roles. As a Senior Human Resources Leader, he chaired the Kroger Supply Chain & Manufacturing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team, served on The Kroger Co. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council, and led the Kroger Supply Chain & Manufacturing Mentoring Program.

Even after retirement, his passion for leadership and human resources continues. He remains active in his profession, serving as a senior leader in human resources.

Family & Love Story

Pastor Melvin is married to Lady Toyka M. Jones (Lady T). Their love story began at church, blossoming over time despite distance and life’s timing. After years of friendship, long-distance calls, and shared worship experiences, they reconnected. In God's perfect timing, they married on August 26, 2000.

Lady T, a Greensboro, NC native, is the daughter of the late Willie and Montennis McCoy. The youngest of four children, she is a proud Dudley Panther, having graduated from James B. Dudley High School. She went on to earn a B.S. in Sports Science from UNC-Greensboro and a Master of Physical Therapy from Winston-Salem State University.

Her spiritual foundation was established at Holmes Grove United Methodist Church, where she served as an acolyte, usher, choir member, and Vacation Bible School teacher. Later, she joined St. Paul United Church of God, where she was mentored by the late Mother Clara Williams. Passionate about serving others, Lady T actively participated in the Missionary Department, taught Bible Study, and faithfully cared for Mother Williams until her passing.

A Blessed Family

In 2014, Pastor Melvin and Lady T were blessed with their beloved daughter, Meagan Jasmine. She is the light of their lives, and together, they cherish family time, traveling, and making lasting memories.