NORFOLK—The Rev. Melvin L. Earley, 74, of the 900 block of Albert Ave., died July 13, 2007, in Bayside Health Care Center, Virginia Beach.

A native of Woodland, N.C., he retired as pastor of Pine Level Baptist Church, Capron, in June 2005 after 13 years of service.

The Rev. Earley also retired from Kempsville Building Materials in Virginia Beach after 14 years as a truck driver.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Beulah M. Earley; a daughter, the Rev. Lorraine Majett (the Rev. Armstrong); a son, James Earley Jr.; mother, Rebecca Alston; brother, Joseph Earley; three grandchildren, Chandra, Craig and Andre (Natasha) Majett; three sisters-in-law, Mozelle Mitchell, Mary Earley and Viola Earley Farmer; one uncle, Johnny Johnson; godson, Walter Goodwyn; goddaughters, the Rev. Catherine Hamlin and Sharon Ricks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral was to be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Jerusalem Baptist Church, Woodland, with the Rev. G.W. Pugh officiating. Interment was to follow in the church cemetery.

Remains was to be placed in the church at 10 a.m. the day of service. Pine Level Baptist Church family members and friends were asked to assemble at Pine Level Baptist Church in Capron at 9 a.m. Saturday for the procession to Woodland.

Engram Funeral Home Inc., 21451 N. Main St., Courtland, VA 23837 is in charge.