Melanie Jean Harless, affectionately known by her family and friends as "Mel", of Lexington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was born on April 7, 1970, to the late Shirley Allen and Charles Patterson, who survives.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Allen, and her husband, Kenny Ray Allen; her ex-husband, Kevin Lotts; maternal grandparents, Matthew Davis, Sr., and Gladis Davis; paternal grandparents, Wallace Patterson and Dorothy Patterson; her in-laws, Franklin Lotts and Betty Lotts.

Mel was a dedicated professional CDL truck driver for 25 years. She found her greatest solace and joy in any body of water, whether it was a pool, lake, or ocean. But the ocean was her "Happy Place." She was an avid swimmer and all-around true water lover. She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her plants. Rose and sunflowers were her favorite flowers. Mel shared a special interest in realistic baby dolls. She could often be found enjoying some dark chocolate.

Those left to cherish precious memories are her father, Charles Patterson and his wife, Darlene Patterson; her sister, Melissa Patterson and her wife, Whitney Campbell; her children, Hannah Lotts, Kayla Lotts, Morgan Allman and Alexander Patterson-Sullivan; her precious grandchildren, Xavier, Jaylynn, Adam, Malaya, Gannon, Arizona, and Bryson; her best friend, Crystal Camden and a host of other relatives and friends.