Mr. Melrose Vernon Hall Bess, 75, also known as Lil Mel, departed this life on February 11, 2014 at his home following a brief illness. He was born July 26, 1938 in W-S, NC to the late James C. Bess Sr. and Grace Hall.

Melrose graduated from Atkins High School. He later enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged.

He was employed with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company until his retirement. He was a long standing member of the Utopia Motorcycle club, Coachman's Auto Club, and the owner /operator of Di-Mel's Fashions. He was also an entrepreneur of 'Clothing on Wheels'.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Diane Hall Bess; father, James C. Bess Sr.; mother, Gracie Hall; stepmother, Dorothy Bess; sister, Helen Simmons; brother, Robert Hall; and a daughter, Robin Hall.

He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Rovia Hall; 5 sons, Vernon Hobson, Timothy (Nikki) Hairston, Minister Thalaferro Huntley, Kedrick Holder, and Dominique Jenkins all of the city;
7 sisters, Edith Wade, Celestine Morris, Loretta Adams, Gloria Mackins, Mary (Hartwell) King, Hortencia (William) Rice, and Claudette Antiwine; 8 brothers, James C. Bess Jr. of Denver, CO, Vierl (Margaret) Banks, Kenneth (Karen) Bess, Willie, Herman, Tyrone, Thurmond, and James (Kathy) Bess all of the city; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday February 19, 2014 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church with the Rev. James Dean, officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 1pm on Wednesday at the Church.