Lexie Jean Lister

Lexie Lister of Tyler, Texas, passed peacefully from this life into life everlasting with her Savior on April 6, 2021. Lexie truly loved life and her 94 years on this earth were filled with joyous music, praising her Lord Jesus and sharing her many God-given talents. She was born Lexie Jean Banks on September 26, 1926, in Rockland, Texas. Her family lived in Cushing, Texas, briefly, then settled in Port Arthur when she was six years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer John and Lula Guinn Banks; her brother, Claude E. Banks; and sister, Kathryn Louise Harris. Lexie trusted Christ at a young age and under her mother’s guidance grew up in the Christian faith, learning the eternal truths and promises of scripture. A lifelong Baptist, she was raised to appreciate the beauty of church music. She graduated from Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson High School in 1944 and then worked many years for Southwestern Bell (otherwise known as “the telephone company” in Port Arthur), and later as the receptionist for Dr. H.F. Byrd in Port Neches. Lexie married Lynn M. Lister on October 14, 1949, and they were blessed with a loving, committed partnership that lasted more than 71 years. She was a devoted wife and mother to son, Lynn Jr. and daughter, Kayla, who describe her as “always sacrificially giving” to her family. Lexie loved to sing and had a beautiful alto voice. She served as the church pianist for many years and often hosted “hymn sings” in her home. She was a wonderful cook who found pleasure in making and sharing meals, continuing to prepare the family Thanksgiving dinner until she was 90 years old. In 1991, Lexie and Lynn moved to Tyler to be closer to their children and grandchildren who lived in the Dallas area. They immediately became involved in Green Acres Baptist Church, where they were active in the GABC Christian Builders, helping to build many churches throughout the South. They established wonderful friendships through their couples’ Sunday School class and enjoyed fellowship through bowling tournaments, weekly dinners, and especially games of “42” dominoes, which was a perfect fit for Lexie’s fun-loving, competitive nature. Lexie’s generous spirit and talent for arts and crafts was a blessing to others. She excelled at woodworking and painting and gifted many friends with her beautiful, handmade puzzles, which are works of art. Lexie loved God and His church, and she walked faithfully with him throughout her life. Her beautiful example serves as an inspiration to all who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed. Lexie is survived by her husband of 71 years, Lynn M. Lister Sr.; her daughter, Kayla Louise Lister; her son, Lynn Lister Jr. and wife, Mary Rinaldi; grandson, Matthew Noble Lister; granddaughter, Alexandra Guinn Lister; great-grandson, Nolan Lister-Wheeler; and brothers-in-law, Lucius W. (Red) Lister of San Augustine, Texas, and Patrick Hal Lister and wife, Margie of Flint, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A service is planned for Saturday, April 24, at 2 p.m., at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, TX 75703. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Lexie Jean Lister

September 26, 1926 - April 6, 2021