Melvin (a/k/a Chuckie) was born on January 19, 1961, in Queens General Hospital, In Queens, New York to his late parents, Willie Lakes and Izzie Mae Lakes. He was adopted at 9 months old by his late uncle, Edward White and late aunt Annie Mae Brown White. Melvin transitioned on August 10, 2022.

Melvin aka Chuckie was homeschooled for most of his early childhood due to his disability with his legs. However, throughout his adult life he continued to strive regardless of trials and managed to maintain his life. He loved life and was an avid video gamer, enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching movies, and loved watching the popular game show called Jeopardy in his spare time. In addition, he enjoyed animals especially cats who he considered his furry friends.

Even though Melvin didn't attend church frequently he was a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ and God called him home on the morning of August 10, 2022, at his residence in the Bronx, New York.

Melvin was preceded in death by his adopted mother, Annie Mae Brown White and adopted father, Edward White and two brothers, Harold Lakes, and Raymond Lakes.

He leaves to mourn: two sisters, Joyce Lakes (Augusta, GA), Lizzie Lakes (Montgomery, AL), two brothers, Kenneth Lakes (San Diego, CA), Leroy Lakes (Augusta, GA), two adopted sisters, Doreatha Pou Brown (Lakeland, FL), Margaret Fleary Perry (Brooklyn, NY) and mourned by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.