Melvin Sinclair Hewitt, Sr. was born on April 27, 1952, to the union of Sinclair Hewitt and Lillie Deloris (Daily) Hewitt in Brooklyn, New York. He was the firstborn, preceded in death by his younger brother Lorenzo Gary Hewitt and survived by his youngest brother, Ahlee Clasablanca. Melvin attended P.S. 7 in his early yearsContinue Reading
Watch Video TributeMelvin Sinclair Hewitt, Sr. was born on April 27, 1952, to the union of Sinclair Hewitt and Lillie Deloris (Daily) Hewitt in Brooklyn, New York. He was the firstborn, preceded in death by his younger brother Lorenzo Gary Hewitt and survived by his youngest brother, Ahlee Clasablanca.
Melvin attended P.S. 7 in his early years and later graduated from Lafayette High School where he was one of the most valuable players in football and track and field. He was well known as “Bubba,” with jersey #79, as he helped his varsity team to their first undefeated regular season, the first of its kind in the school’s 100-year history.
In 1973, Melvin united with Gwendolyn E. Wanton in holy matrimony on June 23rd in Brooklyn, NY. To this union were born five beautiful children, one girl, and four boys. Melvin and Gwen also extended their parental love through the care of foster children. The Hewitt family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1981 where Melvin continued his work at the Cincinnati School Board in maintenance and plumbing. His love for Christ followed him and within that same year, the family joined the Southern Baptist Missionary Church in Cincinnati under the pastorship of Rev. James E. Milton. Melvin attended Temple Bible College and Seminary and became a licensed and ordained minister.
He knew early on that his main mission was being of service to others, doing so through children’s ministry with his next church, First New Shiloh Baptist Church. There he organized bible studies and coached and mentored the Little League baseball team.
A few years later, Melvin began his own business with the Mel and Gwen’s Candy Store. Along with his family, the business grew, and a second location was opened, Mel and Gwen’s Food Mart. Not only did the business support family living, but it also blessed many of the people who lived in Evanston and surrounding neighborhoods. Melvin was always compelled to, “Take care of the people.” If they did not have the means, no one would be turned away.
God was always in the midst. During the summer, proceeds from the food mart helped sponsor trips to the park and trips to museums for the children in Evanston.
In 1998, the family moved to Florida where the mission continued. Melvin’s longtime dream of starting the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry,” was realized, where he used his favorite sandwich to feed the people. Along with his youngest son Matthew, he made and passed out sandwiches door to door, in after-school programs, and to everyday people on the street. His ministry made a difference in the lives of many and widely spread.
On the day of his 55th birthday, Melvin earned his Associate of Applied Science degree from Sante Fe College and continued to volunteer in many areas. Rev. Melvin S. Hewitt, Sr. – A husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather; a dreamer, a doer, a protector, a provider; a big brother, a friend; a builder, a coach, a fanatic of baseball, football, track and field; a businessman, a mentor, a leader, a pastor; These only describe a portion of who he was, but most importantly, he was a follower of Jesus Christ, an avid reader of the Holy Bible, one who worshipped God the Father, and trusted his life with the Holy Ghost. A praying man, a giver, building community bonds, and taking care of the people. Sharing and spreading the gospel in the best way he knew how.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Gwendolyn E. Hewitt; daughter and sons: Lakisha Taylor (Justin-deceased), Melvin S. Hewitt, Jr., Maurice E. Hewitt, Marcus W. Hewitt (Melissa), Matthew J.L. Hewitt; nine grandchildren: Victoria Taylor, Deanna Hewitt, Alaina Hewitt, Aleise Hewitt, Maurice Hewitt, Jr., Kamren Thomas, Marcus Hewitt, Jr., Markez Hewitt, Lillie Hewitt; two greatgranddaughters: Kalahni and Kaliyah; brother Ahlee A. Clasablanca; sister-in-law Alice “Debbie” Hewitt; niece – Shakera Carter-Lawson (Paul); two daughters-in-love: Andia Ali and Tangela Hankerson; special friends: Deborah Smith (LC-deceased), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
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