Melvin Lamont Johnson

Melvin Lamont Johnson was born on January 2, 1974, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Rhonda Johnson and the late Melvin Coats. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Gethsemane Baptist Church. Throughout his life, Melvin remained a devoted member of the church, with his final church home being Morning Star Baptist Church.

Melvin was educated in Tulsa Public Schools, attending Hawthorne Elementary School, Carver Middle School, and Raymond S. McLain High School, where he graduated in 1992. A gifted singer from a young age, his elementary music teacher, the late Mrs. Norma Leshie, recognized and nurtured his God-given talent. Throughout his youth, Melvin shared his gift in various choirs, including the Tulsa Boys Singers.

Following high school, Melvin held a variety of jobs as his health allowed, including assisting his late grandmother, Delois Tucker, in her home health work. However, his greatest joy was singing. Whether performing with local choirs or at national symposiums and conferences, Melvin used his voice to praise God and inspire others.

During the final ten years of his life, Melvin devoted himself to caring for his grandmother and best friend, Delois “DT” Tucker. He faithfully remained by her side until she was called home in December 2025. In a final act of love and devotion, Melvin sang her favorite Mahalia Jackson song at her memorial service despite his battling illness.

Later in life, Melvin—affectionately known as “Merv” to many—began pursuing his calling to serve others. In late 2024, he founded Safe Here, Inc.: Empowerment for Men, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men facing displacement, domestic violence, or trauma. Through Safe Here, Inc., Melvin sought to provide resources such as counseling, education, job placement, and child support advocacy. Prior to his passing, he was actively renovating what would become the organization’s future home.

Melvin remained a faithful and active member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Over the years, he served in the Brotherhood Ministry, sang in both the Men’s and Adult Choirs, helped lead fundraising efforts for a new church bus, and served as a church van driver.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Coats; his grandfather, Vincent Johnson, Jr.; and his grandmother and best friend, Delois Tucker, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Rhonda Johnson; his siblings, Latisha Johnson Latiker (Tony), Jawan Johnson (Sheba), Kenisha Johnson, and Destiny Johnson; and his nieces and nephews, Makayla Johnson, Brian Thomas Jr., Thomas (TJ) Prear Jr., Qadre Latiker, Alex Johnson-Lewis, Kamrynn Johnson, Jacob Weatherborne, Kaitlynn Johnson, and Jamir Johnson. He also leaves five great-niece sand nephews, cousins, along with a host of friends and church members who stood by him faithfully until his transition from labor to glory. His fur baby Butters will also miss her dad.

Memorial Services for Mr. Melvin Lamont Johnson, 52 will be Wednesday March 25, 2026 at 11AM at Morning Star Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Floral Arrangements will be accepted on Tuesday March 24, 2026 from 10AM - 5PM in Tulsa.