Canelia “Connie” Melott Tinsley, 74, of Newport News, Va., died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at her home.

She was a loving mother, granny, sister, and friend.

A native to Paducah, she graduated from Lone Oak High School in 1956. She lived in Nashville, Tenn., until four years ago when she moved to Newport News, Va., to be near her family.

Canelia was a member of Northside Christian Church in Yorktown, Va. She loved reading, gardening, designing flower beds, and spending time with her grandchildren. It has already been said by those who knew her that she is probably giving God advice on his plants and flowers! At the very least, she is tending his flower beds.

Canelia was preceded in death by her sons, Wesley Tinsley and David Tinsley. Her parents were Wesley and Geraldine Melott.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Miles and her husband John of Newport News, Va.; sister, ElReba Luigs and her husband Gene of Paducah; grandchildren, Brea Miles of Newport News, Va., and Sheldon Miles and soon-to-be granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Lanford, of Carrollton, Va.; her niece, Cheryl Luigs of Paducah; nephew, Brad Luigs of Smithfield, Va.; and her special pet cockatiel, Ricco.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Sams officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Massac Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: The American Heart Association, Kentucky Region, 240 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222.

You may send a message of sympathy or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.