Melinda Shea Budnik's Obituary
Melinda Shea Grigg was born to John and June Grigg on July 25, 1966 in Shreveport LA. Shea parted from this life on January 26, 2026 in her home surrounded by her family after a battle with Cancer. She was 59 years old at the time of her death.
Shea was a member of Palestine Baptist Church where over the years she taught Sunday school, mission friends, GA’s, and VBS. She also sang in many Cantatas and directed special children’s programs. Shea attended school mostly at Fairview High School and Graduated from East Beauregard High School in 1984. Shea attended Louisiana College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1988. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work at Louisiana State University in August 1992.
After graduating from Louisiana College Shea started working for Rayford Enterprises at two psychiatric hospitals in Pineville and Alexandria. She also assisted in opening a psychiatric hospital in Denham Springs. Shea worked for Rayford Enterprises for 5 years. In 1993 she accepted a social work position with Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Lake Charles. While working at Women’s and Children’s Shea helped develop a program to identify infants at high risk of contracting RSV. Shea also was privileged to work for a time with Brighton Bridge Hospice. She was touched by her coworkers, patients, and their families.
After the birth of their children Shea and Rob decided to slow down and spend more time together as a family. She accepted a job with the Beauregard Parish School board in the Pupil Appraisal department. She worked there for 22 years advocating for students and families to ensure students received the best education possible. In 2021 Shea moved to work in Allen Parish Pupil Appraisal as the section 504 coordinator. She carried her love for advocating for students and families with her. She worked with Allen Parish School board for 4 years.
Shea faced adversity early when she was diagnosed with Cancer at age 15. With God’s healing she outlived the 3 months that doctors said she would live. Through God’s healing Shea overcame Thyroid cancer in 2006 and Breast Cancer in 2013. This last battle with Cancer did not defeat Shea, this time she received Heavenly healing.
Shea met the love of her life in September 1991--Robert Budnik. They were both head over heels and were engaged December 13, 1991. Shea and Rob were married on October 3, 1992. They were married 33 years. Despite being told she would never have children they were blessed with Madison and JT. Shea loved her children fiercely and always knew they were gifts from God. Madison and JT brought such joy to Shea’s life. She could not have imagined life without them. They helped Rob along with Laney provide loving care for Shea during the last weeks of her life.
Shea is survived by her loving husband Rob Budnik, daughter Madison of Frierson, LA; son John JT Budnik and Laney of Sugartown LA; grandsons, Rhett and Hudson of Sugartown; Parents, John and June Grigg of Grant LA; Sister Jodi and Chad Reeves of Mittie; Brothers, Troy and Janet Grigg of Grant;& Scott and Jamie Grigg of Deridder LA; Brother in law and sister in Law JJ and Tracey Barnes of Walker LA; and step mother in law Peggy Budnik of Rockwood Tennessee.
Shea was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Glade and Jewel Grigg; maternal grandparents, Toby and Georgia Young; father in law Joseph Budnik, mother in law Elsbeth Barnes.
She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Broussard and his team; Dr. Thomas Dobbins and his team; and the team at Allegiance Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hamilton Cemetery Association, c/o Colt Reeves at 2057 Turner Rd Pitkin, LA 70656.
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