Melvyn Henderson of Suwanee, GA died Friday, July 27, 2012 due to complications of cancer with his wife and children at his side. His family and many special friends, as well as his church family at First Redeemer, lifted him up during his time of illness. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1948 to Harold Franklin and Mildred Elizabeth Henderson, Melvyn was the youngest of 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Melvyn is survived by his devoted wife Nikki, and loving children Shannon (Libor) Stojar, Shane (Leah) Henderson and Trace (Monica) Henderson. He was also the much loved PawPaw of granddaughters Brittnie Ervin, Megan (Will) Nixon, Demri Henderson, Reese Stojar, Samantha Henderson and great-grandson Brooks Nixon. A very special memory for them all is the beach trip they shared just three weeks before he died.

Melvyn is also survived by siblings Ann (Bob) Moore, Arlene Swygert, David (Darlene) Henderson and Harold (Linda) Henderson, as well as father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank (Pop) and Eva Cook, sisters-in-law Charna (Doug) McCurry, Renee (David) Fowler and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Francina (Gene) Clark.

Melvyn enjoyed many pursuits in life, always bolstered by his outgoing personality and love of people. He was a member of a gospel trio from a very young age with his brothers David and Harold, singing with groups such as the Statesmen, Imperials, Goss Brothers and the old Oak Ridge Quartet. As a young adult, Melvyn served for the City of Atlanta Fire Department. After a brief stint as a window designer, he found his calling and spent the rest of his career as a well-respected and much loved leader in the textile industry. His first priority was always the customer and, though recently semi-retired due to illness, he continued to stay in contact with co-workers, customers and others in the industry.

Melvyn had many passions in life and brought joy, laughter and love to so many. He found great satisfaction in finding various ways to serve others within his church. Though he will be missed more than we can even imagine, we will be sustained by our memories of time spent with him.

A celebration of his life will pay tribute to the special things in his life – God, family and friends, and music. The service will be held this Saturday, August 4th at 2:00pm at First Redeemer Church, 2100 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041. Dr. Richard G. Lee and Rev. Mike Schmid will officiate. Everyone will be invited to join other family and friends for a period of visitation in the Banquet Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to please consider a donation to Whispering Hope Pregnancy Center, c/o First Redeemer Church. Donations may be made online at www.firstredeemer.org or by mailing a donation to the church address. Please indicate it is a donation in memory of Melvyn Henderson.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899