Melva Woodworth Kitchens, age 77, of Lubbock, Texas, formerly of Naples, Texas, died peacefully Sunday, May 5, 2024. Melva was born July 1, 1946 in Harrison, Arkansas.

Mrs. Kitchens retired from Paul Pewitt High School where she taught English.  She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Naples, until moving to Lubbock in 2022. Melva was passionate about teaching and loved connecting with her students. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, spending time with lifelong friends in Naples, visiting her family in Arkansas, serving in her church, and spending time with her two grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard "Sonny" Kitchens; parents, Agnes and Melvin Woodworth; and her siblings, DeVoe Woodworth, Brenda Roberts, and Peggy Roberts.

Survivors include two daughters and one son in law, Mandy Kitchens of Lubbock, and Kasi and Chris Boutwell of Lubbock; grandsons, Jon Weston Boutwell and Harry Boutwell of Lubbock; sister, Rita Woodworth of Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family is most appreciative of the quality care provided by the staff of Raider Ranch and Interim Hospice.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church of Naples with Rev. Tim Edwards and Rev. Daniel Rigsby officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Naples.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Harrison Funeral Home in Naples.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ministries of the First United Methodist Church of Naples, 201 Cedar Ave., Naples, TX 75568 or the First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401.