Elder Melvin "Mel" A. Pryor

Elder Mel A. Pryor entered this world in humble surroundings on March 3, 1966 and transitioned into his heavenly rest on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the precious age of 51. He was a 4th generation COGIC son, born into the loving family of Evangelist Ruth C. Pryor and the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor. Elder Mel gratefully attributed his personal success to the exemplary life and love of his parents for nurturing, disciplining, and providing him with a strong spiritual heritage, educational foundation, and work ethic to serve the Body of Christ and beyond. From the tender days of his youth, Elder Mel’s parents taught him that “Salvation + Education = Success.” As a result, he credited the church for providing the early training ground to his accomplished professional career. Elder Mel was a proud graduate of Michigan State University (“A Loyal Spartan”), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and then going on to acquire a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Saginaw Valley State University. Prior to beginning his career in the ministry, he was employed by General Motors Corporation as a Marketing & Sales Manager in Philadelphia, PA; overseeing staff in Greater Philadelphia, South New Jersey, and Northern Delaware. Elder Mel served as the Chief Administrator for Victorious Believers Ministries from 1994 until his heavenly transition and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2011 to 2015. Elder Mel was an extraordinary and meticulous administrator who had a gift for writing, organizing, and managing the business of the church with superior quality and excellence. He made invaluable contributions to many facets of the ministry, including developing and directing the Men’s Department for 16 years. Since 1996, he also served as the Jurisdictional Secretary of The Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Southwest Michigan. Within the national church, Elder Mel formerly served as a charter member of the Executive Board of the Men’s Department, Dean of Scholastic Motivation Ministries, a member of the Church Growth and Leadership Team with his father, the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor; and within several other capacities. Elder Mel was a true servant-leader who recognized that his unique aptitude for administration was a gift from God to be used for God’s glory and man’s edification. Elder Mel was a passionate and avid traveler who loved excitement, thrill, and adventure! He also possessed genuine compassion for those in need and was adamant about giving back to the community. Elder Mel worked for several years as an Adjunct Professor at both Saginaw Valley State University (College of Business & Management) and Northwood University (Business Division); and served as a consultant to the county government, several nonprofit agencies, and many churches and nonprofit board members. One of Elder Mel’s favorite scriptures was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13 KJV). Elder Mel will forever be fondly remembered for some of his favorite signature phrases including; “Make Things Happen”, “OK!”, and “Powerful, fresh & anointed”. He leaves to treasure his memory his loving mother, Evangelist Ruth C. Pryor; brothers, Derrick D. and Christopher V. (Kenyatta) Pryor; sister, Vonda K. (John) Massey (New Jersey); grandmother, Irma M. Trice (Jackson, MI); nieces, Alexis C. and Loren A. Pryor; nephews, Carrington D. and Chandler B. Pryor; Aunts: Diane (Louis) Marshall (Atlanta, GA), Carol Jean Pryor (Houston, TX), Lee Ethel Ellis (Michigan City, IN), Linda Pryor (Flint, MI), Pastor Angeline Trice (Lansing, MI); Uncles: Pastor Walter (Jackie) Pryor (Jackson, MI), Deacon Willis Pryor, (Jackson, MI), David Pryor (Jackson, MI) and a host of cousins and loved-ones who were deeply cherished. God-mother Mamie Coleman, (Flint, MI); God-children Desmond Bibbs (Saginaw, MI) and Danae Shepard (Saginaw, MI). He was preceded in death by Bishop Marvin C. Pryor (Father) and Flora B. Pryor (Grandmother). Grace & Peace Y2K17 Family hour 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Victorious Believers Ministries C.O.G.I.C, 624 South Outer Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48601, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Elder Christopher Pryor, Pastor. Bishop Samuel Duncan, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at Victorious Believers Ministries on Friday from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. Celebration & Reflections service from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.

Elder Melvin "Mel" A. Pryor

March 3, 1966 - April 7, 2017