Minister Melvia Jean Porchia Carr was born on February 22, 1939 in Camden, Arkansas to the late Lucy Primm Porchia and the late Grandville Porchia.  She was the third daughter to this union and was the granddaughter of the founder and pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Gillard Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas.  After moving to East St. Louis, she joined Friendship Baptist Church and later moved her membership to Centreville New Light Baptist Church with Pastor Thomas Hood.  She was ordained as a minister on June 23, 2007 at New Freedom Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. William M. Meanes, Sr. was the pastor.  In addition to her ministerial duties at New Freedom, Minister Carr served as pianist, a member of the Praise and Worship Team, Chaplain of the Women's Ministry and Parliamentarian of the Gospel Choir.

Melvia held an earned Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  She took additional courses at St. Louis University of St. Louis, Missouri, Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, Illinois and Harris Stowe College of St. Louis, Missouri towards her Master's Degree.

She taught math and science in East St. Louis School District #189 at Rock Junior High, Clark Junior High and East St. Louis Senior High School.  She was an excellent teacher.  Her students loved and revered her.  Melvia retired from the school district in May, 2005.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Cleophus Carr on December 31, 1969 until his passing on Saturday, August 25, 2007.  She was a preacher of the Word of God, and her one true desire was to remain in the presence of the Lord.  To that end, she proclaimed, "Lord, You can take everything away from me, but never take me out of your presence.  Praise Jesus!"  Minister Carr was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her sisters, Helen Porchia Jones of East St. Louis, IL and Dorothy Porchia Thornton (Tommy) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; niece and nephews, Vicki Jones Little (Tony) of Swansea, Il, Ralph Tyus Jones of East St. Louis, Il, Steve C. Taylor of Camden, AR, Tommy T. Thornton of Santa Monica, CA and Iian Todd Thornton (Monica) of Coral Springs, FL; great nieces and nephew,  Kelli Ervin of Little Rock, AR, Sierra Thornton and Jordan Thornton of Coral Springs, FL;  stepchildren, Cleophus Hawkins Carr, Clarissa Stith and Sharon Carr Brown;  several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren;  numerous other family members and friends.