Lynne Short

Clarissa Lynne Haycraft Short of Tyler, Texas, died peacefully on September 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Lynne was born on October 16, 1937, in Washington, D.C., to Helen Virginia Collier and Sylvester Jolly Haycraft. She attended some of her elementary school years in Maryland. The Haycraft family moved to Dallas in 1942, where she attended Highland Park schools. Lynne graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas in 1955. Following high school graduation, she attended the University of Texas at Austin and then the University of Texas Medical Branch Nursing School in Galveston. She met her husband, John, in Galveston. They were married on December 13, 1958. The Short family lived in Galveston and Houston before entering the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force stationed the family in several places in Texas before John finally settled at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. After John completed his commitment to the USAF, the family moved to Tyler in 1970. Lynne had a love for cooking and found great joy in cooking and providing sustenance for others. She believed that her cooking was a gift of love and that she was creating community when sharing one of her fabulous meals! One of her first culinary groups was a Gourmet Supper Club at Elmendorf AFB, where couples got together and each couple created a course of a meal from a foreign country to share. Lynne's love of cooking led her to open The Rolling Pin Gourmet Shop, which sold cookware, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, and held cooking classes. Lynne was a firm believer in supporting her community, being a servant leader, and supporting many local groups with her tireless commitment. When she first arrived in Tyler, she was involved with St. Andrew's Episcopal School and then All Saints Episcopal School. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving in various capacities, including Loaves and Fishes, Vestry, Episcopal Church Women, Altar Guild, Prime Timers, and cooking with much love for many church-related luncheons and Dinner with the Rector. Her servant leadership continued in her support of the Smith County Medical Association Alliance (SCMAA) at both the local and state levels. One of her favorite activities at SCMAA was supporting The Book Fair, which raised money for scholarships for allied healthcare students. Lynne was president of SCMAA for two terms. The group honored her for her dedication and contributions by awarding her the Heart of Gold Award. Her community involvement did not stop there. She was also a board member of Parents' Anonymous and Heart of Tyler. Lynne also served her community by volunteering for the American Cancer Society for many years. She chaired Tyler's Annual Cattle Baron's Gala in 1995. Another endeavor that was dear to her was helping with the Chuck Wagon Gang and the Li’l Wranglers' gathering, held a few days before the Cattle Baron's Gala. This event honors children with cancer and their families. Lynne was preceded in death by her husband, John G. Short, MD, in 2001, her brother John Haycraft, and his wife Steven. In 2015, Lynne married Jerry Head. He has been her partner for the last several years in volunteering at Christ Church, matching her in energy and dedication. Lynne is survived by her husband, Jerry Head, and her children (all of Tyler), Sandra 'Sandy' Short and husband Rick Henderson, John G. 'Jack' Short Jr., and wife Hope Short, MD, Kevin Short, MD and wife Kimber, Stephen Short and wife Belinda, and nephews Shannon Haycraft of El Paso(Lourdes), John Haycraft of Denver, Colorado(K.C.), and niece Carrie Haycraft Greer of Fort Worth(Paul). Lynne was 'Nana' to five grandchildren: Hampton Short, Kenneth "Trey" Anderson III, and John Short III, each of Tyler; Andrew Short of Austin; and Emma Short of Chicago. Jerry's two children, Bernadette Hackler (Kyle) and Nathan Head (Emily), and their six grandchildren were also very important to her. The Short family would like to thank Lynne's wonderful caregivers, Leatrice Johnson, Linda Tilley, Katie Johnson, Jessica Monroe, Stephanie Roberts, and Patricia Arroyo. Their dedication to caring for Lynne and treating her with the utmost dignity and respect is appreciated by us all. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Christ Church, 118 S. Bois d'Arc, Tyler, TX 75702 (https://www.christchurchtyler.org), or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701(https://hospiceofeasttexas.org). Visitation will be held at Stewart Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Church services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church downtown Tyler at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the church. Graveside services will be at Rose Hill Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

Lynne Short

October 16, 1937 - September 10, 2025