Melody Jean Lambus

Melody Jean Lambus was born on July 12, 1959, in Columbus, Mississippi. She was the seventh of 12 children to the union of the late Charlie and Annie (Fisher) Lambus. Melody departed this life at Upper Chesapeake Medical Canter in Bel Air, Maryland on August 7, 2022.   The family moved from Mississippi to Brooklyn, New York in 1968.  The family relocated to Jamaica, Queens in 1974. She attended Fashion Industries High School and graduated in 1977.   Upon graduation, Jean entered the workforce. She worked 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service. She served as a postal union representative. In addition to working for the Postal Service, she worked 20 years with the Police Athletic League (PAL) summer program where she supervised and enthusiastically shared her love of arts and crafts with countless youth in the community.  

Jean joined Calvary Baptist Church and gave her life to Lord. While a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Jean was active with the Girl Scouts, Junior and Senior Usher Boards and Youth Ministry.  In 1988, she joined New Jerusalem Worship Center under Reverend Dr. James C. Kelly Sr. Jean was a part of Mission ministry and the young-adult ministry. Aunty Mel, Momma Mel or Big Mel as she is known to former and current participant of these ministries, continued her work with the Junior Ushers, Youth Team Ministry and Children’s Ministry under the New Jerusalem Worship Center second pastor, Bishop Calin Rice. Aunty Mel was known to recruit/ draft children as young as seven to give them the opportunity to serve as an usher.  Aunty Mel was a vital part in Youth ministry and more recently Children's Ministry. She would not let Easter pass without turning her living room into a well-oiled goody bag assembling facility, much to the light-hearted chagrin of parents who would insist, to no avail, that no child needed that much chocolate. Mel’s response was simple: “Shut-up, I got this, love you much”. Her influence and impact spanned generations as she poured into many when they were the youth of the church and continued pouring into their children.  

Jean’s dedication and humble service was recognized by the community when she received the Citation for Faithful Service award from The Queens Federation of Churches in October 2017. 

A fierce competitor and avid bowler, Jean was a member of several bowling leagues. Jean enjoyed issuing challenges to anyone who would accept them in Bid Whiz, Spades and even Uno. Jean would not hesitate to make her way to the dance floor, even when it meant she went in a wheelchair or with her walker. Her zest for life and love for having a good time never waned. Having good time would sometimes mean she is going to read or re-read one of her many books, complete a 1000-piece puzzle or blow through a few pages in her So-do-ku book. During the holidays, her nieces and nephews would get to enjoy driving through various neighbourhoods admiring the elaborate house Christmas decorations. She would also build her own personal winter wonderland at home.  

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Brenda and Francine Lambus of Maryland, Beverly Miller of North Carolina, James Michael (Bilal) Lambus of Georgia, Darren and Jeffrey Lambus of New York; 2 brothers-in-law James McKenzie and Robert Burns; 1 sister-in-law Crystal Lambus; 4 aunts, 5 uncles, 68 nieces and nephews (including greats and great-greats), 3 Godchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, John Fisher, Nancy McKenzie, Andrew Lambus, Tawanda Lambus and Janetta Lambus.    Close friend for 45+ years Duane Manley; her New Jerusalem Worship Center Family and numerous others who had the blessed privilege to know her.