Melaney Jane McLean

1968 - 2025

It is with love and gratitude that we remember the life of Melaney Jane McLean who passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025 at the age of 57.
Laney had a sparkle that could light up any room. She had a way of making people feel truly seen, heard, and loved, whether through her open arms, a listening ear, or a few perfectly chosen words of encouragement. She poured her heart into caring for others and was always ready to help. Laney also had a deep love for plants and could make anything bloom, filling her spaces with life and beauty that reflected her own spirit. Intelligent, thoughtful, and full of joy. She made sure no one ever left her presence without feeling cared for.
As a mother, she not only poured her love into her own children but also took their friends under her wing, treating them as if they were part of the family. Her home was a place of laughter, acceptance, and open arms.
Laney was a proud lifelong learner. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee State College before continuing her studies at Florida State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in American and Florida Studies and was recognized on the President's List. She later completed a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership and Strategic Management, and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
Her professional career reflected that same dedication and drive. Over more than a decade at Florida State University, she held leadership positions that advanced research and innovation, including Director of Research Administration for the College of Engineering and, most recently, Director of Strategic Implementation and Project Operations in the Office of the Provost. She also shared her expertise as a Senior Consultant in Research Administration. In every role, she was known for her intelligence, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to empowering others and guiding important work forward.
She is survived by her husband, Ken Walser. her children, Teddy LeJeune and her husband Jesse Stembridge with their children Gabe Davis and Reme Stembridge; Zachary LeJeune and his wife Lauren LeJeune with their children Maddox LeJeune and Rowan LeJeune; and Avery Lynch and her husband Addison Lynch with their son Archie Lynch. Her sister Tina Stone and husband Jason Stone; Her uncles; Reid Edenfield, Brent Edenfield, Gary McLean and Terry McLean. Her aunt; Susan C. Lawson. She is also survived by her father, John R. McLean, and Gwynne Parmelee; her mother, Deborah Edenfield McLean, and William D. Schlottermiller.
Mrs. McLean was preceded in death by her grandparents, David H. Edenfield and Martha Edenfield; and Nathan P. McLean and Eva Faye McLean; and her first husband/children's father, Danny LeJeune.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Laney's favorite charity - The Innocence Project, as a way to honor her generous spirit.
She will be dearly missed, but her laughter, kindness, and light will continue to inspire all who knew her.