The life journey of Melvin Louis Hilliard begins on July 27, 1958, along with his twin brother Michael Charles Hilliard in Saint Louis, Missouri as the ninth child of Andy Prince and Mattye L. (Fant) Hilliard. Melvin is preceded in death by both parents, both maternal and paternal grandparents, along with siblings Claudia Renee Hilliard, Deborah Marie Crosby-Young, Michael Charles Hilliard, Murner Robert Hilliard, Naomi Helane Hilliard, and Rev. Kalvin Jeffrey Hilliard.

Melvin's Religious journey started at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and later, along with his brother and sister, , he joined the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. At the time of his transition Melvin was a member of Greater Faith Christian where his loving wife Donna Baxter - Hilliard is Pastor.

Melvin received his education from East St. Louis School District 189. He attended Dunbar Elementary School, Hughes Quinn Jr. High School graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School Class of 1978. Throughout Melvin's life, he worked at Abex Steel Foundry, Belleville Shoe Company, and Nash Funeral Home.

In life, if you would describe Melvin L. Hilliard from a child into manhood, you may say he "lived, laughed, and loved" his way throughout his sixty-three years of life. Even on bad days he would smile and lift others up. Melvin in his own special way was a man who shared the "Ministry of Presence" with his wife, family, church, and friends. In his family and in the Southend, many knew Melvin as a carpenter, plumber, lawn care, cook, caregiver, and so much more. He stayed busy tinkering, working on some project, lawn or house.

Melvin loved making his daughter, nieces, and nephews feel special. He began most conversation with, "You've been on my brain" or "What's up good looking? You don't love me no more?" Everyone had a nickname that he consistently used as HIS terms of endearment.

Melvin transitioned from his earthly home to his eternal home on December 28, 2021. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Rev. Donna Baxter-Hilliard, two daughters Ashley (Johnnie) Golliday and TeMiyah (Ken) Palmer; two granddaughters Kenslei Palmer and Khlark Golliday; eight sisters Rosalind King, Princetta Farries, Denise Hilliard, Cynthia Hilliard, Jacqueline (John) Ford, Sherri Lynn Hilliard, Claudette Hilliard, and Lawanda (Kelvin) McGill; one brothers Karl (Ophelia) Hilliard; two sister-in-laws Kim Hilliard and Regina Baxter; two brother-in-laws Lindsey Baxter and Stephen (Denise) Baxter; an aunt Edna Mae Terry; great nieces and nephews; cousins; other family members and friends.