Remembering Melva Joyce Ellis

Melva Joyce Ellis, the long-time, General Manager at Langston Golf Course, passed away on October 2, 2023. Even though Melva’s job title said “General Manager”, she was so much more than that to so many people. Jimmy Garvin, the current General Manager at Rock Creek, who has been friends with Melva since 1986, remembers her for her constant willingness to give, to share, and to help everyone around her.

Melva loved children, particularly her grandchildren and other kids who came to Langston in search of a safe place. She always did what she could to support the kids of the community: giving them breakfast, listening to them, and guiding them through life. One of the beauties of Melva was her love of people, which came from her upbringing and her struggles over the years. She always saw the good in people and took a chance on them, giving them an opportunity, and pushing them to exceed all expectations.

Others also emphasized how funny, really funny; Melva was. She was the queen of one liners. She was so much fun to talk to and always brought something special to a conversation. That is why we chose this picture (even though she would kill me for sharing it), because it encapsulates her joyful and youthful spirit.

Melva started at Langston in the mid to late 80s working as an F&B employee. She spent many years there, and then moved to East Potomac and back to Langston in 2012, working her way up to GM. The number of lives she has touched in her 30+ years in the industry is immeasurable.