Miriam Kelley Skains, 72, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2023. She was born January 2, 1951 in Winnfield, LA to James Howard and Mildred Florene Gaar Kelley. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kelley Skains of Winnfield, and Shannon Skains Thompson (Rusty) of Natchitoches; her sister, Markeita Kelley of Winnfield; her brother, Michael 'Mike' Kelley (Carol) of Keithville; sister in law, Becky Kelley; 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, a nephew, and 7 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Howard and Florene Gaar Kelley, and her brother James Maxwell Kelley.

It is so easy to celebrate the life of a woman like Miriam Kelley Skains. She lived her life for Christ and was an example of faith and grace to every person that she met. Miriam's love for her family and friends was evident and unwavering in every title that she carried. She was a role model, a friend, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a niece, and a mother. Relationships were so important to Miriam. A smile, a hug, and a kind word were all things that you could expect when you came in contact with her. Even on her worst days, she put others first.

She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

Miriam was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She attended Winnfield Senior High School and later served on the reunion committee. She worked for CCA for many years but worked at the Bank of Winnfield for 20 years until she retired. Outside of her work, she had many hobbies. She was a talented crafter, a reader, loved watching westerns, and of course making her famous caramel popcorn. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends. Being born and raised in Winn Parish, she was proud of where she was from. She loved being involved in the community. Miriam was also a member of the Women's Club and at one time she even served as president.

"Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Corinthians 16:14

Miriam was a strong woman. Throughout her life she was faced with many obstacles that could easily make a person question, "Why?"  Miriam maintained her faith and knew that God would see her through. If in the darkest times in our lives we will learn to keep turning our face to him, we will witness how faithful he is. Faithful to be with us, faithful to watch over us, faithful to work in us to make us the men and women we are called to be. She never doubted His purpose in her life, and that is exactly how she lived. Strong. Sure. Faithful.

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.

Luke 1:45

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 12th at First United Methodist Church from 5PM to 8PM and on Thursday from 9:00 am until time of services. Funeral services will be held on July 13th at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Craig James officiating. Interment will follow at the Garden of Memories in Winnfield under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Josh McAllister, Austin Stevenson, Evan Austin, Jacob Williams, Rusty Thompson, and John Luke Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers are James Kelley, Cole Rosenquist, Jonathan Scogin, Jesse Flax, Spencer Gaar, and Steven Gaar.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hand in Hand Hospice for taking excellent care of Miriam. Miriam suffered from Lewy Body Dementia which there is no treatment for. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to lbda.org to help with research for this disease.