Ruth Melvin-Greene

Ruth Melvin-Greene was born to the late Bertha and Frank Melvin, Jr. on April 15, 1953 in DeRidder, LA. She peacefully passed from this life on Friday, November 24, 2023 surrounded by her family. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel Greene; parents, Frank and Bertha Melvin; sisters, Darcus Melvin, Frankie Ray and Betty Woods.

She was baptized at an early age at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the Adult Choir, Sunday School Class #12 and would offer prayer during the Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Conference call. Ruth attended church until her health began to decline.

She was educated in the public school system of Beauregard Parish. Her former high school days were at George Washington Carver High School, however the system changed and her class was transferred to DeRidder High School, making her a 1971 graduate. Even though the students had to make a transition, Ruth continued to be active in her extracurricular activities. As referenced in the 1971 yearbook, she was active in cheerleading, basketball, softball, choir, pep squad, student council and track. She was also a dancing instructor, class favorite and class officer. She always had a smile on her face and was affectionately known as Ms. Personality…she never met a stranger.

She was employed at Beauregard Nursing Home and Beauregard Memorial Hospital (Beauregard Health System). She was married to Lionel Greene; they resided in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and later returned to DeRidder, LA. She was a hardworking and loving mother of three children.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Keith L. Dove (Zulema) of Austin, TX, Angelo Melvin (Tonya) of DeRidder, LA; daughter, Keisha Dove-Holloway of DeRidder, LA; brothers, Frank Melvin, III. of McDonough, GA, Marvis Dwyane Melvin, Sr. of DeRidder, LA; sisters, Estella Sparks of DeRidder, LA, Delores McClinton (Elmer) of Zachary, LA, Polly Sias of Ontario, CA; a brother-in-law, Willie Ray of Shreveport, LA; fourteen (14) grandchildren, Breanna Dove, Keon Holloway, Donovan Dove, Ahmad O’Neal, Kyndall Dove, Dasia O’Neal, Kyra Dove, Keith “KJ” Dove, Lyrik Melvin, Christian Craig, Melodie Melvin, Easton Craig, Sherry Rainer, Joseph Rainer; six (6) great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Blount, Jace Dove, Leila Dove, Zoey Steele, Evelina Holloway, Kali Rainer, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and special friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA, Reverend Daniel Stafford officiating. Pallbearers will be Ervin Gatson, Domenic McClinton, Keon Holloway, Donovan Dove, Morris Smith, Cecil Stewart Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Morris Smith, Tim Scott, Shanador Buckley, Jermaine Johnson, Willie Green, and Christian Craig. Burial will follow at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.