Kilpatrick Funeral Home Ruston, LA Minnie Estelle Methvin Skinner Funeral services for Minnie Estelle Methvin Skinner, age 97, will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston with Debra Brazzel and Rev. Jerry Hilbun officiating the service. Interment will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Simsboro, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral of Ruston. Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Monday, November 21, 2011 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Minnie Estelle Methvin Skinner died peacefully on November 18, 2011. Minnie was born on August 1, 1914 and died on November 18, 2011. She had been a resident of Willow Ridge Nursing Home in Arcadia since January 1, 2011. Minnie lived most of her life in LA, having been born in Bienville parish where she lived until 1929 when at age 14 she moved with her family to the Antioch Community in Simsboro, LA. She married a local boy, Charlie Murice Skinner, a marriage that lasted 60 years until his death in 1997. At this time, she moved to MS to live with a daughter, Wanda Faye Gann making the transition with grace. When her health demanded more care, she chose to come back “home” to LA. Hard farm work defined much of Minnie's early life. Later she continued this work while caring for a blind grandmother, an Aunt, and later a brother while raising and caring for her own family. She accepted her responsibilities with grace and Christian love and always had time to share when friends and neighbors needed help. She loved her 'girls' unconditionally and always expressed pride in their achievements. She loved her garden and she took great pride in what it produced and always shared generously. Known as an excellent cook, her dishes were the first to disappear when sharing it at family gatherings and community events. She shared her Christianity easily and lived it with grace. Three daughters, Joyce Brazzel of Simsboro, LA, Wanda Faye Brown Gann of Houston, MS, survive Minnie and Gloria Jean Thomas, and her spouse Charles of Houston, TX. From this come 7 grandchildren: Debra Brazzel and her spouse Geoff Dunkak of Durham, NC. Randy and his wife Caroline Brazzel of League City, TX, Kenneth Brazzel of Simsboro, LA and Keith Brazzel of Haughton, LA. She has six great grandchildren from this family. Next are Wanda Faye Brown Gann of MS and her children; Suwanna, and spouse Ricky Joe Jackson of Amory, MS. Rodney Brown and his wife Dorothy of Booneville, MS and Billy Lane Brown and his wife Dawn of Litiz, PA. She has eight great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren from this family. Gloria Jean Thomas and her spouse Charles make their home in Houston, TX. She was preceded her in death by: Tom Methvin, her birth mother, Minnie who died when she was 6 weeks old, raised and nurtured by Eula, her stepmother. Her spouse of 60 years, Charlie Murice Skinner, bothers Milton and his wife Mary, Charlie “Shine' Methvin and one great grandson Brandon Brown. Minnie lived her life with vigor and always welcomed visitors. At 97 years of age, she had lost many of her peers but never her ability to recognize friends and family. She would want her 'girls' to the thank those that cared for her so well in the last few years of her life. Special thanks goes to Sue Ivy and Melissa Hall of Ms, her caretakers who both loved and cared for her while living in MS. Special thanks to all of the staff of Willow Ridge Nursing Home, especially the workers on hall 300. She loved so many of you and was always grateful for her care. Thanks to all of the family and friends who honored her in so many ways. Her 'girls' loved and respected Mother and learned our life lessons from her. We will miss her who molded our character and taught us Christian love. She has earned her reward and rest. Pallbearers will be her grandson: Randy Brazzel, Kenneth Brazzel, Keith Brazzel, Geoff Dunkik, Rodney Brown, and Billy Lane Brown. In lieu of flowers, planned memorials may be made to Antioch Cemetery, 4064 Hwy 544, Simsboro, LA 71275. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com