MELISSA KAY RUNNELS

Funeral services for Mrs. Melissa Runnels, 57, of Keachi, LA were at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Longstreet United Methodist Church with Rev. Dean Register officiating. Burial followed in the Runnels Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation was held from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service.

Melissa was born February 20, 1964 in Mansfield, Louisiana. She passed away from this life on October 16, 2021 in San Augustine, Texas.

Melissa was one of six children born to the marriage of A.J. and Charlie Fate Briggs Runnels. She was raised and schooled in South Louisiana graduating from Ascension Catholic High School.

Melissa worked in welfare and food stamp offices in DeSoto and Red River parishes. She worked as an account specialist for Fastenall. She loved crafting and spending time with her beloved grandson.

She is preceded in death by parents A.J. Runnels Sr. and Charlie Briggs Runnels; brother and sister-in-law A.J. Jr and Trudy Runnels; and brother in law Bryan Fountain.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lacey Watson and husband Matt; her grandchildren…the light of her life, Gabriel “Fathead” Watson, Bella Watson, Mallary Watson, Mikayla Wheatley, Dalton Wheatley, Remi Wheatley, and Levi Wheatley; brother Charles Runnels and wife Marsha of Baton Rouge, La; Sisters Glenda McGinty and husband Louis of Joaquin, Texas, Rita Morris and Husband Donnie of White House, Texas, and Gail Fountain of Shreveport, La; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Pall Bearers were, Kirk Nelson, Chance Tomaszewski, Justin Runnels, Stoney Runnels, Kolton Whitton, and LJ Whitton. Honorary Pallbearer was, Gabriel Zayne Watson.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Melissa Kay Runnels please visit the Sympathy Store at Hawthorn Funeral Home.