Paulette DeAnna (Richardson) Tynes

Paulette DeAnna Tynes, was born on July 26, 1943, in Key West, Florida to the late Paul Lawrence Dunbar Richardson, Sr. and Anna Rose Valdez Richardson.

Paulette was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Jr., and her sister, Ramona Richardson.

Paulette heard the call of the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where she served as an Usher on the Senior Ushers Board, a Missionary on the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Lay Council President, and Trustee Board President. During Paulette’s youth, she attended and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School, where she played the alto saxophone in the marching band. After graduating from Frederick Douglas High School, she attended Livingstone College, a Historically Black College, located in Salisbury, North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Paulette was united in marriage to the late Dr. Reverend Henry L. Melvin, who later became the Head Pastor of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served as First Lady. To this union, two daughters were born, Benita and Valencia. After spending several years in Denver, Colorado, Paulette returned to her hometown of Key West, Florida, accepting a high school teaching position with the Monroe County Public School System, teaching English at Key West High School, until her retirement, after having taught for thirty-five years.

Paulette departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior, on December 31, 2024. Leaving behind to cherish her memories are her daughters and sons-in law, Benita (Michael) Ferguson, Valencia (Gerald) Killingsworth; her grand-children, Ismael Rutledge, Briana (Marquis) Paige, Michael Ferguson, Jr., Cameron Ferguson, Christina Killingsworth; one great-granddaughter, Nayeli Paige; two sisters, Gwendolyn (Vaughn) Sommers, and Elvira Sawyer; her aunt, Consuelo Pinder, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

“I’m A Child of The King! Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.” (Psalm 149:2) “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paulette DeAnna (Richardson) Tynes, please visit our floral store.