Eliza Bullock Melvin, 90, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  She was born in 1934 in Vance County, NC to Edward and Sarah Lee Bullock.

Eliza excelled in school, graduated from Henderson Institute High School in 1951, and was the first in the family to attend college.  She graduated from Fayetteville State Teacher's College in North Carolina in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Delta Sigma Theta awarded her a $100 scholarship for an Outstanding Freshman Year, and she later joined that sorority.

Eliza began her teaching career in 1956 at Marietta Elementary School in Fairmont, NC.  During her career, she also served as a librarian and taught at several elementary and middle schools in Newport News, VA.  She was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1991 and retired that same year.

After retiring from Newport News Public Schools, Eliza kept busy by serving on the Newport News Electoral Board for 15 years.  She was an active member of Wesley Grove United Church of Christ for 60 years and served on the Usher Board.

Eliza was married to Herbert C. Melvin from 1956 until his death in 1998.  She is survived by her daughter Renita S. Williams (Michael) and her son Michael C. Melvin.

Eliza dearly loved her family and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Exceptionally kind and generous, her motto was "trust and believe in God always."  Her life goal was to "help and encourage others" and that is reflected in the life she lived.

Left to cherish Eliza's memory are two grandchildren, Michele R. Allen (Courtney) and Brittany L. Arnett (Gabriel A. Ortega); two great-grandchildren, Eliza M. Allen and Everleigh I. Ortega; five step great-grandchildren, Courtney Allen, Jr., Elijah Allen, Shanya Allen, Daymar Dickerson, and Courtanya Allen; her brother, Edward Douglas Bullock; her sister, Nannie B. Thomas; three aunts, Daisy, Jean, and Jeda; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends that she loved.

She was preceded in death by five brothers, Floyd, Samuel, Joseph, Walter, Wallace, and Marvin Bullock and her sister, Octavia B. Vaughan.

A viewing will be held Friday, Nov. 15th from 3 to 6 pm at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 16th at 11:00 at Wesley Grove United Church of Christ in Newport News followed by burial in Hampton Memorial Gardens. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.