Melissa Ann Kirkland passed away at her home in Wetumka on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at the age of 47 years.

Melissa was the daughter of Billy Wayne Cowell & Beneva Ann (Gregg) Cowell, born on June 28, 1966, in McAlester, Oklahoma. She was brought up and attended schools in McAlester and Cromwell. She was married to Steven Kirkland on December 23, 1987, at Yeager, where they made their home until moving to Wetumka in 1990. Steven passed away on May 25, 2013.

Melissa worked as a home healthcare provider for May's Home Health Company, and also for Boyce Manor Nursing Home and Heritage Village Nursing Home. She loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her favorite things were sewing, painting, and making jewelry.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Wayne & Beneva Ann Cowell; her husband, Steven Kirkland; her aunt, Peggy Wilson.

She is survived by two children, Jeffery Cowell of Seminole, and Kerry Cowell (Tiffany) of the home; seven grandchildren: Kalyn Cowell, Jaise Dority, Alyssa Cowell, Kaitlyn Cowell, Hailey Cowell, Jazmine Cowell, and Brooklyn Cowell; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 19, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Holdenville, and Melissa will be laid to rest at Lone Grove Cemetery in Scipio, Oklahoma. Rev. Earl Scroggins is the officiating minister. Pallbearers are Jeffery Cowell, Kerry Cowell, David Kirkland, Joe Kirkland, Levi Sanford, and Shane Semenko.