Melissa Ann Kinney

Melissa Ann Kinney, 42, of Haughton, moved to her eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was born in Shreveport, LA on October 15, 1980. Melissa received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Louisiana State University at Shreveport and was a beloved teacher at T.L. Rodes Elementary School.

Melissa was married to, her best friend and love of her life, Matt Kinney. She had three wonderful children and one granddaughter, whom she absolutely adored.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Herb Roberson; grandmother, “granny” Jones; and father-in-law, John Saffel.

Melissa is survived and loved deeply by her husband, Matt Kinney; her children, Riley Wallis and wife Gracie, Kylie Kinney, and Sage Kinney; granddaughter, Caroline Wallis; parents, Jeff Jones, Lisa McCann; mother-in-law, Linda Saffel; siblings, Chris Boardman, Lexie Holley, and Chance Jones; grandmother, Nell Roberson; aunt, Catherine Winslow; and many extended family members along with numerous wonderful friends.

Melissa was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Haughton. She was a warrior for the kingdom and she is now Home. She fought cancer with every fiber in her body, when the odds were stacked against her, she never wavered from God. It’s easy to praise God when we are healed, but will we praise Him when we’re not? Melissa did every week. She never missed an opportunity, it may have been with other patients, the nurses, or physicians. She always made sure the waitress or waiter knew of Jesus. Right before she would eat, she would ask the waitress or waiter, “do you want to pray with us?” Jesus changed everything in Melissa’s life starting on March 9, 2014. She was the light in this world.

Melissa didn’t have to preach a sermon, she lived one.

We are certain that she heard these words when she entered Heaven.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” ~ Matthew 25:23

Melissa’s visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Haughton, 105 E Washington Avenue, Haughton, Louisiana 71037. A Celebration of Life will occur Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Haughton, 105 E Washington Avenue, Haughton, Louisiana 71037. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.

Honoring Melissa as pallbearers will be Jason Shelton, Chris Dison, Jerry Brandon, Jason Sanchez, Jerry Lee Brandon, and Scotty Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be T.L. Rodes Elementary School, and Bossier City Fire Department.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Kinney family.