Melvenia (Melveena) was born on February 17, 1951 in Washington, D.C. She was the oldest of six children born to Rufus and Cora Woods. She entered into peaceful rest on June 2, 2026, at The Connecticut Hospice of Branford, Connecticut.

She attended Tilden High School and later earned a number of college credits. In her younger years, she was a baptized member at her family church, Faith Holy Church in Brooklyn, New York. It was there that she sang in the choir and shared her love of music.

She lived and worked in Queens, New York, for many years before making Hamden, Connecticut, her home in 2007, where she continued to move through life to her own rhythm. Music remained a constant source of joy for her, and those who knew her will remember how much she loved to laugh, shop, and play her favorite songs.

Melvenia had a great love for music. She loved to sing and even pursued a singing career, recording one record titled All Over My Face. She enjoyed playing music and listening to some of her favorite artists, including Rick Ross.

Those who knew Melvenia will remember her humor, her personality, and the special way she gave nicknames to almost everyone. She had a way of making people laugh and leaving her own unique mark wherever she went. She was independent, spirited, and truly one of a kind.

Melvenia lived life on her own terms. She never wanted anyone to worry about her, and even in her final chapter, she carried that same spirit of independence. Her life was filled with music, laughter, memories, and a rhythm that was all her own.

Melvenia was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Cora Woods; her husband, Clarence Monroe; her sister, Vernetta Smith; and her two brothers, Michael Woods and Timothy Woods. Although she never had children of her own, she loved children dearly and shared that love with her nieces, nephews, and the young people in her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two siblings Dinella Dodd and Edward Woods and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, as well as her beloved church family.

Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 3pm via Zoom.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86787688674?pwd=aXlybnp4aWN2SVZkWlIvbHl0WmtaZz09

Meeting ID: 86787688674

Passcode:166719