Melissa Daniels Kinchen's Obituary
Melissa Daniels Kinchen, a native of Avery Island, Louisiana, departed this life on Sunday, September 28, 2014. She was born on June 15, 1933, to Charles Daniels and Pearl Thompson and spent her early life surrounded by a large extended family.
She graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a degree in nursing and was committed to excellence as a registered nurse from 1957 until her retirement from the Alameda County Public Health Department in 1998. In addition to her distinguished professional career, Melissa dedicated herself to serving the wider community through a number of service organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Black Nurses Association, and Toastmasters.
Melissa also had the opportunity to travel around the globe living in Morocco, Germany and many parts of the United States. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her many loved ones, especially walking with her closest friends, and traveling to the annual Russian River Jazz Festival.
Melissa was a phenomenal woman who lived her life with integrity, respect, and a commitment to serving others. She loved people, especially her large extended family and many friends, all of whom can testify to the power of her love in their lives. She was someone they could count on to be there whenever they were in need. Whether it was a bed to lay their head, a place at her table to eat or a word of wisdom and encouragement – everyone knew they would find love and support when they turned to Melissa.
Most important in Melissa’s life was the loving relationship she shared with her pride and joy, her daughter, Michele Renee Kinchen. Melissa loved her daughter and as Michele reflected, “My Mother was my world and the world is a much better place because she was in it.”
Preceding her in death are her parents, Pearl and Charlie and sisters: MaryLouise Daniels Johnson, Margaret Stevens;
Melissa leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and committed daughter, Michele, brothers, Willard Daniels, Danny Daniels, Dave Stevens, Austin Stevens, former husband, Leroy Kinchen, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Melissa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melissa?
Share a story where Melissa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melissa you’ll never forget.
How did Melissa make you smile?