Janice Kinley Lafitte

Janice  Kinley Lafitte, age 72, was born on December 3, 1953, in Zwolle, Louisiana, to Keith and Hattie Jo Kinley, the first of their eight children. She passed away on February 18, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1971, she met the love of her life, Mike Lafitte, and they were married on July 15, 1972. They shared 53 beautiful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Janice began working at Western Electric in 1972 and remained there until 1983. During that time, she felt called to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. In 1985, she earned her nursing degree, graduating with a 4.0 GPA while working part-time and raising two small children – a testament to her strength, determination, and fierce work ethic.

She dedicated her nursing career to caring for the burn victims in LSU’s Burn Unit from 1985 until 2012. After attempting retirement for a few years, she found herself bored and returned to work at Ochsner, where she trained nurses in the ICU step-down unit. She retired again in 2020. In retirement, she enjoyed gardening and became a Master Gardener through the LSU AgCenter. She also loved traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Hattie Jo Kinley, and sister, Rhonda Price.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Lafitte; her daughter, Michelle Lafitte Dugan and husband Robert; her son, Steven Lafitte; her grandson, Trenton Lafitte and wife Nicole; her granddaughter, Emma Dugan; her great-grandson, Bennett Lafitte; sister, Aliese Seawright (Scott); brother, Allen Kinley (Janyce); brother, Greg Kinley (Tammy); sister, Kim Solice (Scott); sister, Joy Spaulding (Jerry); sister, Joni Storey (Darren); brother-in-law, Don Lafitte (Mary); brother-in-law, Ronnie Morrow (Thelma); sister-in-law, Eva Rawls; sister-in-law, Sue Corley,  and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Janice was stubborn, fierce, loving, and a natural caretaker. She lived a life of service, strength, and deep faith, leaving a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The family will host a graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 7 at noon at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Carmel, Louisiana. The family welcomes flowers, or memorial donations may be made in Janice's honor to the American Kidney Fund.