Missy Johnston

EAST PRAIRIE - Melissa L. "Missy" Johnston, 44, died at 11:34 p.m. Nov. 29, 2006, in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 2, 1962, in Sikeston, to the late Loyce D. and Mildred Louise "Sue" Babb Johnston, Missy lived most of her life in East Prairie, where she had a career in the trucking industry before ill health caused her retirement. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

She is survived by: one son, Charles David Kirby of East Prairie; two daughters, Jacqueline L. "Jacque" Kirby and Kathryn Nicole Kirby both of East Prairie; one brother and sister-in-law, Rickey and Beckie Johnston of Jackson; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Susan J. and Michael Morris and K. Diane Johnston-Linley all of East Prairie; two granddaughters, Brynlea Hope Ditto and Alexandria "Ali" Eloyce Kirby of East Prairie; one nephew, Derrick Babb Johnston of Jackson; one niece, Amanda D. Wallace of East Prairie; and many friends.

One sister, Kelli Hope Johnston, preceded Missy in death.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday. Jon Archie will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Greg Lamm, Richard Wallace, Bryan Ditto, David Kirby, Derrick Johnston, Amanda Wallace and Michael L. Morris.

Paid obituary