[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1283-E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE & LEGACY OF MELVIN CURTIS WHITLOCK, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 15, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Mr. Melvin Curtis Whitlock, Jr.
  Melvin Curtis Whitlock, Jr. was born on Saturday, June 8, 1957. He 
was the first born of Melvin Curtis Whitlock, Sr. and Mary Lean 
Johnson-Whitlock, or ``Mary Lean'' as she is most affectionately 
called. As engaged members of their community, Melvin Sr. and Mary 
Lean's high-spirited union was further harmonized by the joy and 
laughter Melvin would bring.
  As he grew, Melvin became openly passionate and outgoing through his 
love of music and baseball. He became a member of the band and joined 
the baseball team during his trajectory at Jim Hill High School. Melvin 
had a love for motorcycles, percussion, The Temptations, Good Times, 
and Sanford & Son.
  Following high school, Melvin attended Jackson State University. Upon 
leaving JSU, he married his high school sweetheart and started a 
family. From their union came three beautiful children which Melvin 
would tell everyone were his three greatest accomplishments.
  Melvin received certification in masonry from Hinds Community College 
and spent time working with his father, Melvin Sr.
  He was known for the phrase, ``Y'all think y'all deserve everything 
on a silver platter'', which encouraged his children and others to 
appreciate the value of earning whatever they wanted in life.
  He was an outstanding, faithful member at his spiritual home, Triumph 
the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ until his passing on September 
24, 2019.
  Melvin is survived by his father: Melvin ``M.C.'' Whitlock, Sr., 
mother: Mary Lean Whitlock, daughter: Niki Whitlock, grandsons: Tyler 
Nelson and Lance Jones, great granddaughters: BellaKay Jones and 
Emerson Jones, son: Brian M. Whitlock, son: Gerren K. Whitlock, Sr., 
grandchildren: Gerren Whitlock, II and Cayla Whitlock, brothers: James 
Whitlock and Marvin Whitlock, sisters: Sandra Moses, Joyce Whitlock, 
Debbie Whitlock, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
and legacy of Melvin Whitlock, Jr.

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