Mr. Melvin D. Givens Jr.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; And He delighteth in His way." Psalm 37:23 Melvin Delyle Givens, Jr. was the first child born to the union of Melvin D. Givens, Sr. and Barbara J. McDowell (nee Hudson) on January 25, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What a joy and blessing he was to his parents. Melvin accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized a Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Melvin J. Battle. Laying an active role in his church became important, initially in the Youth Choir, Baptist Youth Fellowship, as a Jr. Deacon transitioning to a trial Deacon in preparation for ordination, and finally in the Men's Ensemble and Men's Fellowship until his health no longer allowed his participation. Melvin received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School System, graduating from Custer High School in 1974. He furthered his education in the University of Wisconsin system, beginning at UW-LaCrosse and completing at UW-Milwaukee. On June 16, 1979, Melvin united with the love of his life, Susa M. Johnson, in holy matrimony. To their union, they were blessed with 0 children, Melvin D. Givens, III, and Danyelle S. M. Givens. Melvin lived a life of service. He found peace and joy in serving God everyday, according to God's plan. God made sure his service fit his personality, gifts, and abilities. That is why he enjoyed his profession as a City of Milwaukee Police Officer. He loved serving the people he encountered and tried to convey the importance of making appropriate choices. Community policing was a delight to him. It allowed him to do his job "to protect and serve" with honor and integrity. Melvin loved being active. He enjoyed swimming, diving, running, boxing, golfing, and bowling. He loved football and his Green Bay Packers! Tinkering with cars was a gift from his younger years. Traveling with family and friends always brought a smile and laughter with every new experience. Music was his favorite pastime. He was a drummer and loved attending concerts of all genres of music, in and out of the country. His favorite group was Earth, Wind & Fire. His gospel music, though, always brought him much comfort. Melvin loved his God, family, and friends in actuality, he just loved people! He was a true fighter. His faith was strong, and he believed his health would improve so he could have an amazing testimony. Melvin was selfless ... helping, mentoring, and encouraging others, but being direct when necessary. As a social butterfly, his humor and quick wit shined. He would meet someone for the first time, and you would have thought he had known them for years. Melvin Delyle Givens, Jr. was called to his heavenly home on December 22, 2022. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Herbert Hudson and Magdalene (nee Grayer) (Namon) Blakely; paternal grandparents: Craig Sr. and Elottye (nee Alexander) Givens; father, Melvin D. Givens, Sr., and his brother Steven C. Givens. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 43 years, Susa M. Givens; a loving son, Melvin D. Givens, III of Seattle, WA; a loving daughter, Danyelle S. M. Givens of Atlanta, GA; proud parents, Barbara and Billy McDowell of Milwaukee, WI; brother, Julius D. (Cheri) Smith of Casa Grande, AZ, sisters, Meta C. Givens, Nora (Marlon) Shumpert, and Antoinette McDowell, all of Milwaukee, WI; uncle, David (Victoria) Blakely of Caledonia, WI; aunt, Zelma Hudson of Detroit, MI; brothers-in-law, George (Vernice) Johnson and Johnny (Josephine) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Rita Johnson, W. Mary (Charles) Jones, Florida (Billy) Smith, Minerva Johnson, and Margaret Johnson; special cousins Willie and Annie Alexander and Pamela Turner; goddaughters, Nicole Norris of Milwaukee, WI and Christian Parker-Lowery of Harrisburg, NC, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and loving friends. Special friends with whom he had a brotherly bond include: Calvin Allen, Ocie Cook, Rufus O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Gregory Prince, and Mark Robinson.

Mr. Melvin D. Givens Jr.

January 25, 1956 - December 22, 2022