Lynda Lys (aka Lynda with a ‘y’) was a loving wife, mother, sister, Mimi and friend who passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the age of 88. She lived a full, rich life, and had a kind, generous and loving heart.

Lynda was born in Normangee, Texas (Rogers Prairie) on December 21, 1935, to Roy and Rosa Mae Patterson.

After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Lynda went on to become an educator for 49 years. She taught first and second grades at Jane Long Elementary School in Richmond, Texas, and later served as a reading specialist for Normangee Elementary School. After retiring from teaching, Lynda opened the Normangee Dress Shop in downtown Normangee, which served local and surrounding communities for several years with dresses and gift items. Lynda enjoyed playing BUNCO with her fellow teachers even after retirement. The same core group of teachers played BUNCO together for over 40 years.

Lynda was most noted for always having food and snacks available for anyone that happened to stop by. Her candy dishes were always overflowing, and chicken fried steak was quick to fry.

Until her health conditions later in life made it impossible, Lynda was very active in the life of the church at First Methodist Church in Normangee, working with various ministries.  She was lay leader of the church and held the office of president of the UMW (United Methodist Women) for many years. The Care Group she founded regularly delivered bananas and cookies to various nursing homes in the area as part of that ministry group. While serving as an officer of the church finance committee, Lynda was instrumental in procuring the church bus, which took many trips to Normangee sporting events and several other scenic drives for members of the church.

In addition to her parents, Roy and Rosa Mae, Lynda is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Lee (Bill) Lys, Jr, and a brother, JR Patterson.

Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Katz and husband, Howard, and Guinette Haas and husband, Stephen; grandchildren, Chelsea Katz, Stephanie Norton and husband, Jim, Megan Haas and fiancée, Tyler Lysack, and Philp Haas; great-grandchildren, James (JT) Norton and Sophie Norton. Survivors also include, her sister, Ann Smith and brother, James David Patterson along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Lynda’s caregivers, Edith Abdulhaqq, Kendra Schesser and Juana Soto for their love, care and support.

Lynda loved her family and instilled in her children and grandchildren the strong values of family. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 5 to 8PM at First Methodist Church, Normangee, Texas.  The funeral will be 11AM Saturday, October 12 at First Methodist Church, Normangee, Texas, with intermittent following at Wheelock Cemetery.

For those wishing to honor Lynda, memorial donations may be made to First Methodist Church in Normangee, P.O. Box 267, Normangee, Texas 77871, or to a charity of your choice.

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