Bess Lee Melvin

It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bess Lee Melvin of Norfolk, Virginia. Bess packed a lot of life into her 89 years and her smile, beauty and exuberant personality made her truly unforgettable. She was born on January 25, 1933, to the late Betty Will Bartholomew Melvin and Clifton Purrington Melvin in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. She is preceded in death by two sisters, Geneva Littman and Betty Ann Wallace, and one brother, Clifton P. Melvin, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Mary Frances Hartley; nephew, Peter Hartley; nieces, Lisa Darger, Melissa Wallace, and Stacy Wallace; great niece, Ann Rene’ and great nephews Eli, Phillip and Aaron as well as her long-time friend, Jesse Andrews. Bess went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ her savior on October 6, 2022, knowing that she had lived life to the fullest and had been blessed beyond all measure. A multi-faceted woman, Bess was different things to different people. She was Aunt Bess to her nieces and nephews, a fellow airman to those who served with her in the United States Air Force, a teacher and friend for her students at Maury High School, where she taught English for many years. Her friends were with her in Hawaii when she walked across 10’ of hot coals, cheered her on as she was crowned Miss Virginia Beach in 1956, and laughed with her each Halloween as she transformed into the “Bag Lady of Ghent.” Bess was kind and generous with her time and money, as well as her skills as a massage therapist. She supported various charities like Lee’s Friends and her church, Tabernacle United Methodist, on Sandbridge Road. An independent spirit, Bess was a strong voice in the community, standing for equality, defending herself and others against unfairness, prejudice and injustice. It is a hard task to describe a rare woman like Bess, so it seems most fitting to let the lyrics of one of her favorite songs, Wildflowers by Dolly Parton, do it for her. …the hills were alive with wildflowers, And I was as wild, even wilder than they, for at least I could run, they just died in the sun., And I refused to just wither in place…just a wild mountain rose, needing freedom to grow, so I ran fearing not where I'd go, when a flower grows wild, it can always survive, wildflowers don't care where they grow… A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bess Melvin will be held Saturday, November 12th, 11:00am at The Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 1265 Sandbridge Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23456 with Pastor Christa Springstead officiating. We welcome all of her friends to attend and look forward to the shared memories and stories. Bess requested that memorial contributions be made to Lee’s Friends. Bess was a devoted volunteer with Lee’s Friends for many years.