Lynn Fite Heines

Franklynn “Lynn” Elizabeth Fite Heines, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, having lived life to the fullest for 84 years. A graveside service will be November 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life service will commence at the First Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m. with a visitation to follow. Lynn, the daughter of Mary Elizabeth and Frank Fite, was born in Beaumont, Texas on July 1, 1941. Moving to Tyler in 1957 and graduating from John Tyler High School in 1959. Lynn attended Southern Methodist University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority as well as serving as a Lady in Waiting in the 1960 Texas Rose Festival. Lynn’s service to her community was evident as a member of the Junior League of Tyler where she chaired nearly every committee that existed before becoming President and that year oversaw the creation of Hospice of East Texas. Lynn also led the inaugural Mistletoe and Magic fundraiser in 1979. She was awarded the Gertrude Windsor Award in 1999. Lynn served as a board member of a host of organizations including the Mother Frances Hospital, Tyler Civic Theater, East Texas Crisis Center, American Heart Association, Chairman of Tyler Museum of Art Gala as well as President of the Women’s Symphony League. Lynn loved the Texas Rose Festival, chairing the coronation in 1969 and 1983 as well as chairing other committees. She was a member of Marion Wilcox Jr. Garden Club and considered First Presbyterian Church most important. Lynn loved Christmas, hosting parties, gingerbread houses with her grandchildren, and digging in the dirt. Traveling with John brought her great joy. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband John, parents and sister Ginger Fite Daniels. Survivors include son David Cobb (Jill), Tyler; daughter Catherine Ann Clayton (John) Plano; stepsons Martin Heines (Michelle) Tyler; Blair Heines (Dina) Scurry; grandchildren, John David Cobb, Dallas; Emma Catherine Clayton, Dallas; John Edward Clayton, Lubbock; Luke Haberle, Tyler; and Isabelle Heines, Suwanee, GA; Matthew Heines (Holly); Kimberly Heines. She is survived by many other family members. The family would like to thank the staff of Prestige Estates and caregivers, Debra Powell, Shirley Manley, Jeneatte McCan, Dee Sheffield, Shunya Jiles, Lanale Caldwell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charley Ainsworth, Wayne Babin, Danny Daniels, John Gaston, Jim Kitchen, and Tracy Lisner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St. Tyler, Texas 75701, or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Lynn Fite Heines

July 1, 1941 - October 28, 2025