Jenean Leone Mele (Cottner)

Jenean Leone Mele (née Cotner) passed away peacefully at her home in Tennessee on August 28, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her.

Born in California on November 10, 1951 to Lillian and Clyde Cotner, Jenean spent much of her life there and retired in 2006 after a successful career with Los Angeles County. It was during those years that she met her husband, Rick Mele. In 2012, they moved to Tennessee where they made their home and continued their shared love of travel, especially cruising.

During her career, Jenean was often the person people turned to when something needed to be figured out. As a natural problem solver, even when she didn't know the answer herself, she knew who did and how to motivate work staff to get it done.

She loved life. In addition to traveling, Jenean enjoyed collecting art, crafting, bowling, and spending time with the people she loved. She had a special love for animals and even the grumpiest ones seemed to love her in return. Family holidays won't be the same without her famous enchiladas.

Jenean was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Clyde Cotner. She is survived by her husband, Rick; her children, Troy Smith and Gayle Smith; her stepchildren, Bryan Mele (Kimberly), Angela Hubbard (Trey), Stephanie Houston (Selby), and Traci Hayat (Yasser); her sister, Janette Parker (Russ); her stepmother, Edna Cotner; her stepbrother, Joe Cotner (Siobhan), and their children; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jenean’s memory to:

The Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County

940 Tennessee Ave. Clarksville, TN 37040

Phn: 931-648-8042

Please visit Jenean's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.