Melanie Anne Richards, 55, of Hickory, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center following a period of declining health.

Melanie was born March 2, 1969 in Catawba County to the late James Richards and Josephine Price. She worked as a machine operator in the textile industry and attended Bethlehem Baptist Church. Melanie loved to sew and crafting, her coffee and scratch off tickets; but most of all, her children.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Wayne McBee; and daughter, Kaylee Travis Danner.

She is survived by her children, Timothy A. McBee Jr. and wife Scottie, Aaron M. McBee, Evan Travis Jr., Crystal Dillard and husband William, and Bailey Whittington and husband Wayne; grandchildren, Dakotah McBee, Thearon Dillard, Malorey Dillard, Alexus Dillard, Mckenna Dean, Archer Parton, Kinleigh Parton, Paizley Danner, Rylie Campbell, and Abel Whittingotn; and her boyfriend, Evan Travis Sr. Also surviving are her brothers, Jim Richards and wife Trina, Gary Richards, and Robert Richards and wife Shanda; and sisters, Sharon McNeil and husband Bryan, and Susan Hendrix and husband Thomas.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Joe Dempsey officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is serving the family.