Kristi Fontenot

Melissa Kristine "Kristi" Jinks Fontenot, 64, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. 

A lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana, Kristi graduated from A.M. Barbe High School in 1978 and went on to live a life filled with faith, family, and service to others. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Silton Ray Fontenot; her children, Dustin Fontenot and wife Lindsey, and Laci Fontenot and husband Daniel; and her beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Kennedy, Olivia, and Carter Ray Fontenot, who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind her brother, Keith Jinks (Donna); her sister, Nicole Duplechin (Scott); and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. 

Kristi was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Karen Jinks, her mother and father in law, Gussie and Lucy Fontenot, and her sister, Shawn Parks. 

She had a remarkable work ethic and spent many years as the office manager and bookkeeper for John Myers and Associates, where she was admired for her dedication and kindness. 

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Kristi faced life's challenges with courage and grace. 

She loved baseball, enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, and especially cherished family vacations to the beach. Above all, her happiest moments were spent with her grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure. 

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Kristi with compassion and devotion, Kayla Bahm with Aging with Grace; Mary Mouton; Caroline Citizen with Leeann Caregiving Services; and the care team from Brighton Bridge, including Melinda Keller and all the wonderful CNAs. 

In honor of Kristi's memory and her fighting spirit, the family requests that donations be made to the local Alzheimer's Association Chapter.

Kristi will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the deep love she shared with everyone blessed to know her.

Pallbearers are, Eric Jinks, Josh Parks, Ryan Provost, Cory Quebedeaux, Norman Thigpen, Jr., and Joey Pousson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake St., with Rev. Keith Pellerin serving as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Monday evening, October 20 in the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM, and will resume on Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.