Born to the parents of Leory Melvin Smith and Amanda Hawkins Poole, Melvina Elaine Allen sashayed onto the runway of life on Nov.3, 1937, in Miami-Dade County. Melvina (Mel) as she was affectionately known, was a young fashionista making fashion statements wherever she went.

"Where there is love there is life." Melvina met the love of her life, James Rutherford at Booker T. Washington High School.   James (Buck) and Melvina decided to marry and in the precious moments of their relationship, two boys, Jeffrey and Jerome Rutherford were born.

Melvina received her primary education from Miami Dade County School systems later Graduating Class of 1956 from Booker T. Washington Jr.-Sr. High School. Mel modeled for the O'neal Fashion model group while furthering her "Where there is love there is life"  education at Miami Dade College and Florida Memorial College and later obtained her Business Occupational Licenses.

Mel started her work career with Ben Graber clothing store as a supervisor. Throughout her tenure she worked for Lory's Fashion as an Interior Decorator for 18 years along with her sister Louise Watkins. She also worked for Dade County School as a paraprofessional while pursuing her lifelong dream as a Clothing Entrepreneur for over 30 years. She was employed with Humana Health Plans as a Supervisor/ Manager, retiring after 19 years.

In 2004, Melvina joined New Birth Baptist Church. Melvina became a member of the hospitality committee and thought of the ministry as an opportunity to serve. She enjoyed meeting the needs and doing that which God called her to do.

February 21, 2025, Melvina "Mel" Smith-Allen answered God's call and made her transition from this temporary life to an eternal life with God.