Mrs. Lillie Belle Lister

Lillie B. Lister lived a life that was grounded by her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, belief in the value of education, and willingness to serve others. She was born on September 7, 1937, in Conroe, Texas to Callie Ferguson and Will McKinney.

Lillie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Union Center AME church in Conroe, Texas. She began demonstrating her desire to serve others by picking up her younger friend Clarence and walking with him to Sunday school each Sunday. After moving to Dallas, she joined Greater Saint James Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. She sang in several adult choirs, and assisted with youth activities including teaching Sunday School, the children’s choir, Vacation Bible School and the scholarship program. Lillie was faithful in her daily devotions and active in Bible study. She helped to serve the church and the community as a member of the Naomi Mission Circle.

Lillie graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Conroe, Texas and began attending college at the age of sixteen. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University. She later received a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas. Lillie began her teaching career in the Wilmer Hutchins School District before joining Dallas Independent School district where she spent 30 years as a4 grade teacher and reading specialist.

Lillie joined the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Rho Chapter. As a life member of this sisterhood of education professionals, she actively engaged in activities that provided for her own personal growth, opportunities for community support, and the development of youth. She was a sponsor for Hub Parents, Xinos, and Kudos, and the committee member for the Deb-Beautillion Scholarship Gala. After her graduation from Prairie View, Lillie took a job on campus as a secretary. That is where she met Odell Lister. She married him and to this union two children were born:Kenneth and Katryna.

Lillie loved to challenge her mind and worked on the crossword puzzle daily. She also rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy. She was the reigning Scrabble Master of the Lister and Warren family.

Lillie is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Odell. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son Kenneth Lister, one daughter Katryna (Wayne) Warren; two grandchildren, Wayne (Aerika) Warren II and Tonya Warren; two great grandchildren Isabella Houston and Wayne Warren III; and a host of relatives and friends.