Melissa Carol Mathis

Melissa Carol (Prater) Mathis passed away at the age of 57 shortly after being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. Melissa was born to Billy David Prater and Carma Irene (Cox) Prater and raised in West Liberty, KY. As a child, Melissa moved with her mother to Lexington, which became her home for most of her life. Melissa excelled in her careers as both a real estate agent and mortgage loan officer. She was a top earner in both professions, and won Realtor of the Year two years in a row at her brokerage HomeHunters. All the while, she balanced a home life with her two daughters. She is remembered by most for her fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed music and dancing, true crime shows, documentaries and classic film. She was also a passionate animal lover. Melissa is survived by her daughters, Lacy Danielle Lawhon and Carma Elizabeth Elaine Toll; grandchildren Oliver Leander Bowen and Tierian Haldir Lawhon; mother Carma Irene Prater; step-mother Deana Prater, siblings Janie Sue Lacy, Barbara Lynn Hatton and Jason Prater; and parents-in-law Dale and Marva Mathis. She was preceded in death by her father Billy David Prater; brother-in-law Larry Lacy; husband Michael Joel Mathis and their beloved dogs Ralphie and Lailei. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 31st from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Southland Christian Church Chapel, Building A. 5001 Harrdsburg Rd. Nicholasville, KY 40356, with a memorial service immediately proceeding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melissa's memory to Mission Teens, Inc. (PO Box 131, Glendora, NJ 08029) or the Lexington Humane Society.