Ethel Lois Scott was born on October 27, 1942 in Tallulah, Louisiana to the late Sam and Lillie Mae Scott.  At the age of two, the family moved to Richmond, California in pursuit of a better life. Lois accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C. E Richardson. Lois attended Stege Elementary School, Roosevelt Jr. High School and graduated from Richmond High School in June 1961.  In high school, Lois, along with a few friends, started a social club called the De La Prees.  She would boast from time to time about their sharp uniform and how they were the cat's meow.  Lois was accepted into a nursing program at the Los Angeles Trade-Tech in 1962. In addition, she received a certification as a Respiratory Therapist in 1973 where she then launched her career.

In addition to her career as a Respiratory Therapist, she worked at Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc., the United State Mint and Chevron Corporation.  Lois was a Respiratory Therapist for over 30 years at Richmond Hospital and Doctor's Hospital in Pinole.  She was part a team of nurses that was sent to Saudi Arabia to open a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Lois spent 2 years in Saudi Arabia. This opportunity afforded the chance for Lois to travel the world.  She visited England, the Philippines, Greece, Thailand, Hong Kong and Spain.

On December 9, 1962, Lois married Louis Melchor. To this union, three daughters were born, Nikita Kennett, Lillie Mae and Latrece Calvalyn.  She was a very nurturing mother and decided she had more love to give to other children. Later on, after raising her children and retiring, she became a foster parent and eventually adopted three additional daughters, Venquisha, Valisha and Syniah.

After the birth of her first grandchild, Lois affectionately became known as "Nammy". She was no longer introduced as" Lois" or "Mama" but would forever be introduced as "Nammy".

In 1993, Lois finally decided the move closer to her children and grandchildren and relocated to Sacramento, Ca.  After relocating to Sacramento, she united with the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Bryant C. Wyatt.  She was a member of the Hospitality ministry and served as a Greeter. Lois was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Rhodope Chapter #63.

Lois was considered a "professional student".  She loved to learn new things, especially when it came to the medical field. She still loved to care for people and decided to pursue caregiving. She was a woman who valued education, taught her children and grandchildren the importance of education. Lois was feisty, vibrant, happy, and smart. She was told she had a bright smile and beautiful feet.

Lois was proceeded in death by her daughter Lillie Mae, her parents Sam and Lillie Mae Scott, three brothers, George and Cleo Hughes and Bruce Scott, two sisters Allean Scott and Ruth Barron and twin granddaughters Eden and Bethany Smothers.  She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Nikita Melchor and Latrece Smothers, both of Elk Grove, CA, Venquisha Melchor of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Valisha Melchor of Sacramento, CA and Syniah Melchor of Nevada, two sons-in-love, Walter A. Torrence, Jr. of Aiea, HI and Dr. David L. Smothers of Elk Grove, CA.  Grandchildren, Nikita Hughes (Joe) of Elk Grove, Walter A Torrence, III of Chico, CA, Bryttini Ennis (Bruce) of Lincoln, CA, Nicolas Smothers, Matthew Smothers and Andrew Smothers all of Elk Grove, CA, Julian Schlosser of Oakland, CA and Nathan Domondon of Sacramento, CA. Great-Grandchildren Keyliana and Malaia Torrence of Natomas, CA, Peyton and Jordyn Hughes of Elk Grove, CA and Bryce Ennis of Lincoln, CA. One sister, Yvonne Smith, a dedicated caregiver, Paula Morgan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.