Melvenna L. Santiago
Melvenna L. (Glenn) Santiago, 74, departed this life quietly and entered into the presence of our Lord with a shout on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.
She was born on May 11, 1944, to the late Rev. and Mrs. Isaiah E. Glenn. She was the widow of Jorge Luis Rodriquez Santiago II.
Melvenna was one of Pottstown’s most fascinating women — a leader — who received several special honors, including the Governor’s Award and a Pennsylvania State House Citation. These honors were bestowed upon her due to her tireless efforts to make a positive impact in the community. Melvenna loved Pottstown and was a life-long resident.
She founded the borough Town Watch and served as President of Pottstown Concerned Citizens for Progress, determinedly working to improve the quality of life in her neighborhood. She was very active in local political affairs for over 30 years and served in many roles. She was the Committee Woman for the 7th Ward and Minority Inspector for the Democratic Party. Melvenna was always a role model for young people, giving encouragement and emphasizing the importance of education. She was the director of the NAACP Youth Council and the Pageant Coordinator for many years.
Melvenna was a graduate of Pottstown Senior High School with the Class of 1962 and could still sing the alma mater from memory. Remarkably in the year 2000, 38 years after graduating high school, Melvenna graduated with honors from Montgomery County Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.
She immediately began working as an instructional assistant in the Pottstown School District. Not by chance, she was assigned to work with at risk students at the Pottstown Senior High School. Melvenna relished this role because this truly was a mission field. She retired from the Pottstown School District after 14 years of service.
Melvenna became a member of Second Baptist Church in Pottstown at an early age under the pastorate of the late Rev. Heywood L. Butler. She was a very active member of the church, which reflected her dedication to serving the Lord. She served on the Missionary Board, Education Committee, Women United in Christ, Young Adult Choir, Senior Choir and was the Director of the Combined Choir.
Melvenna’s most cherished role was being a mother. She loved her two children with agape love and made sure they were raised in a home that would allow them to receive the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Melvenna was welcoming to everyone, loved to sing spiritual hymns, and had a beautiful voice.
Melvenna leaves to celebrate her life and cherish fond memories, her children, Leticia Joy, wife of Keith Carter and Jorge Luis Santiago III, husband of Heather; a special niece, who she loved like a daughter, Cordova Ramona, wife of Michael A. Tucker Sr. Three grandsons, Alex Luis Santiago, David John Santiago, and Sage Kelley Carter; two nephews, who were grandsons of her heart, Michael Andre Tucker Jr. (also a godson), husband of Shanta, and Isaiah Clarke Tucker.
She was one of nine children and is survived by two sisters: Berwindale J. Whitehurst, widow of Marvin A. Whitehurst, Sr.; Arsonia M. Leisure, widow of Junius (John) P. Leisure I; three brothers: Rev. Dodge L. Glenn, husband of Melody; Bronk D. Glenn; Gregory I. Glenn, Sr., husband of Margaret Anne; godson, Gregory I. Glenn Jr., husband of Barbara, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Melvenna was predeceased by a son at birth, Baby Santiago; sister, Loretta L. Flynn; brothers, Sage E. Glenn and Hub C. Glenn; and goddaughter, Glenda Joy Satterwhite.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Melvenna’s Celebration of Life Service at Second Baptist Church, 507 N. Adams Street, Pottstown, PA, on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. Rev. Roland H. Anderson II, is officiating. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Limerick Garden of Memories in Limerick, PA.
Arrangements are being handled by DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. (www. DeBaptiste.com).