Melvin Garrett, Sr.

Melvin Garrett was born on February 10, 1928, in Newark, New Jersey to Annabelle Small and Andrew Patterson.

He attended the Newark School System and the Barringer Evening School of Business.

Melvin entered the Military on July 1,1946 and served in the Far East with the 159th Field Artillery Battalion Nara, Japan as a Radio Operator.  He was Honorably Discharged in December of 1947.

He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1952 in Tuckahoe, NY, later joined VFW Post 6396 in Mt. Vernon, NY, and was Westchester County Commander from   1961-1962. Elected Post Commander 1967-1968 and again from 1991-1992. District #2 Commander 1971-1972. Served as Post Judge Advocate for 25 years. In 1981-1982 he was elected to the high office of Commander for The Department of New York VFW; The First African American to attain this position.  He finished the year as an All American New York State.  He served as Chairman of various State Committees including Loyalty Day, Veterans Service, Officers Training, and Legislative Advisory. 

He served as National Council Member area “C” (Board of Directors) from 1993-1995, Vice Chairman National Security and Foreign Affairs. Committee, Chairman and Vice Chairman National Legislative Committee, Member National Veterans Service and Resolutions Committee, National Strategic Planning and Steering Committee, Vice President Board of Trustees District #2 (New York, New Jersey and Europe). Served as the VFW National Home for Children as President of the Board of Directors located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

He is a member of the American Legion, and the 369th Veterans Association.

Melvin was active in the city of Mt. Vernon, New York as a Past Chairman of the Central Committee for Veterans Affairs, and Chairman of several committees, Memorial and Veterans Day.

Melvin married Albertha T. Coleman on May 28, 1978, they resided in New Rochelle, NY and relocated to Jacksonville, FL in 1991. They relocated back to NY in 1996 and returned to Orange Park, FL in 2010. Now, back in Jacksonville.

Together they have four children, Melvin Jr., Lynn, Diane and Tyrone.

Earlier Melvin worked as a Limo Driver, Security Guard and Otis Elevator in Yonkers, NY.

Melvin retired from Consumer Reports Magazine after 25 years of service as a Senior Technician.

Melvin served as Clay County School Crossing Guard from 2015-2024. He was honored for his service, especially for his age; Clay Today and Channel 4 recorded this event.

Melvin joined the Prince of Peace MBC and enjoyed helping out wherever he could. He was recently honored as the Oldest Member along with Mother Charlene Hairston during our Church 4th Anniversary on March 15, 2026.,

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents,  Annabelle Small, Andrew Patterson, Harvey Garrett and Carrie Patterson; siblings, Juanita Patterson, Gloria Garrett and Jean (Rev. Russell) White; son-in-law, William Pulley; children, Roxanne Garrett and Ross Coleman; grandchildren, Monica Quarterman and Romel Garrett; former Wife, Delores Garrett; and niece, Brenda Allen.

Family remaining to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Rev. Albertha T. Garrett; sons,  Melvin Jr. and Tyrone (Gracie) Coleman; daughters, Lynn Pulley and Diane Coleman; grandchildren,  Anthony Coleman, Naomi Pulley, William Pulley, Shenelle and Nicole Brooks, Samuel, Hanna, Kloe and Yaacov Coleman; great grandchildren, Jaidyn, Josiah, Jordan and Journey Coleman, Solace William Pulley; sister, Virginia Patterson; nieces, Gail Ponder and JoAnn Gilmore; great niece, Monique Walker; great great niece, Bailey Thompson; cousins, William (Priscilla) Garrett, Laurel Hill-Roberts and Odean Magum; sisters-in-Law,  Angela Williams, Joyce Johnson, Alma (Jerry) Hempfield and Rev. Ethel L. Pounds; close friends, Rick Embry and Matt Kain. The Garrett Family of Mt. Vernon, New York, and a host of other relatives, friends and Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

Special Thanks to the Caregivers of Melvin Garrett Sr:  Vivo Nursing Home, Haven Hospice Clay County, Baptist Clay and St. Vincent Clay Hospitals.

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to:  

VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids Michigan

7535 Waverly Rd.

Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 27, 2027, 11:00 a.m., both services will be at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL  32073, (904) 264-1233.

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