Lisa Boyette

Lisa Bell Boyette, 63, a beacon of wisdom and joy, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family in Hickory, North Carolina. Born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada, to Yvette and Nelson Bell on October 02, 1960. Lisa's life was a garden of dedication, love, and service.

Lisa's journey began in Limestone, Maine, where she grew up in a loving family as the sixth of eight children. Her childhood was filled with the pure joys of Maine life, which laid the foundation for her nurturing spirit. Upon graduation from Limestone High School in 1979, Lisa set out on a quest to head south and established her roots in Hickory, North Carolina, where she would find her true calling in education. For over 30 years, she worked passionately to leave an indelible mark on her students. At Sweetwater Elementary School, she nourished the minds and bodies of both students and faculty. At Saint Stephens Elementary School, she engaged young minds inside the classroom. At Saint Stephens High School, she played a pivotal role in guiding young adults into their bright and successful futures beyond their educational career. Her former students and school-family will affectionately remember her by her signature phrase "you be sweet".

Her life outside the classroom was rich with the simple pleasures she cherished. An avid gardener, Lisa's backyard was a vibrant oasis of colors and life. She treasured the countless varieties of plants and flowers that surrounded her home, most of which were perennials that had been shared with her by loved ones through the years. Each spring she eagerly awaited the arrival of the Bluebirds, which are known as a symbol of hope, love, positivity, and renewal. She watched on in excitement as the birds meticulously inspected the birdhouses she lovingly provided for them and she would keep watch over the nests so that she and Biff could enjoy the hatching and growth of the baby Bluebirds each season. When it comes to the kitchen, Lisa's culinary skills take the cake! She loved nothing more than to prepare delicious meals at her home for loved ones in celebration of holidays, birthdays, or even just the sweet occasion of being surrounded by those dearest to her. Out of the many passions that filled Lisa's heart, her family was the joy of her life.

Preceded in death her parents, Yvette and Nelson Bell, her sister Sharon Bell and her sister Brenda Merritt. Lisa's memory is honored by the love of her life, Biff Prestwood; her mother-in-love and father-in-love, Anita and Wayne Prestwood; her children, Joshua Boyette, Shannon (Jonathan) Duckworth, son-in-love, Jared (Chrissy) Prestwood, and daughter-in-love, Chasity Collins; and her grandchildren, Lexi and Gabby Boyette, Alyssah and Braden Duckworth, and Maddox and Liam Prestwood. Her brothers, Glenn Bell, Bruce (Brenda) Bell, and Bryan Bell, her sisters Linda Oglesby and Darlene (Raul) Trejo, Lisa's beloved fur-baby, Bella, along with countless adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and closest friends are all survived by her.

The family will receive friends on Friday July 19, 2024 from 2-4pm at Hickory Funeral Home, 1031 11th Ave Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 4pm, also at Hickory Funeral Home, in honor of Lisa. The family asks that you may consider wearing an assortment of bright colors or floral patterns to represent the beauty that Lisa blossomed into each of our lives.

Speakers will include her nephew Rhyan Ramirez, her daughter Shannon Duckworth, her son-in-law Jonathan Duckworth, and others are invited to share memories and reflections on a life lived with purpose and love.

Lisa's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, the hearts she touched, and the love she shared. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will bloom eternally in the hearts of those she has left behind.