An 8-year-old Vicksburg child was accidentally shot and killed at her grandmother’s home in northeastern Louisiana, authorities said Friday.

Melissa Ruth Johnson, a second-grader at Dana Road elementary, died when a gun being handled by her 14-year-old brother discharged, said Debra Johnson, Melissa’s mother.

Tensas Parish Sheriff Rick Jones said a neighbor called authorities at 10:40 a.m. Thursday. Jones said the child was shot in the chest at 103 Devries St. in Newellton.

She was taken to Madison Parish Hospital, Jones said. The family was visiting the grandmother during spring break, he added.

Debra Johnson said she will miss everything about her daughter.

&#8220She was just a little ray of sunshine,” she said. &#8220She loved life. She loved Jesus. She was a daddy’s girl.”

Christy King, Melissa’s teacher at Dana Road, said teachers will be preparing to help Melissa’s classmates in anyway they can. She said counseling will be available at the school.

&#8220We have the family in our prayers,” King said.

She said Melissa was a bright student who always gave her best effort and was very concerned with other children and their feelings.

&#8220She brought so much joy to our classroom,” King said. &#8220She came in with a smile every morning. She is going to be missed terribly.”

Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Todd Sumrall, pastor of First Baptist Church in Newellton, officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. today.

Debra Johnson said she will most miss her daughter’s giggle.

&#8220She was so full of life,” she said.

Jones said the case would be investigated. &#8220We are still in the preliminary stages,” Jones said, adding that indications were the death was accidental.