Sunrise – October 15, 1958
Sunset – January 17, 2021
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3
Rev. Hugh James Lister, age 62, passed into eternity on January 17, 2021. He was greeted at his heavenly arrival by his Mother, Mrs. Opel Lee Owens-Lister; Father, Mr. George Henry Lister, Sr.; Grandmother, Mrs. Josephine Owens-Baylor; Brother, George Henry Lister, Jr., Father-in-law, Pastor Bennett Cortez, Sr., and Aunt, Velma Lee Brooks.
A graduate of M.C. Williams Sr. High School Class of 1977, he joined the United States Marine Corp immediately following graduation. After 5 years of active duty and 1 year of inactive duty, he was Honorably Discharged as a Lance Corporal. Throughout his tenure as a Marine, Hugh demonstrated great leadership and skills. Because of that, he served as a role model for newly enlisted recruits. Other recognitions received included a Rifle Marksman Badge, Letter of Appreciation (2nd Award), Meritorious Mast, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Medal. His field of work in the military was "Heavy Equipment Engineering". He also completed an Engineer Equipment course of study. After returning to Houston, Hugh continued to work in Heavy Equipment Operations at the Forge Vessel Connections, Inc., for more than 12 years; he later joined the team at Invesco Aim (SM) and worked there until he was forced to retire due to his failing health. Being idle was impossible for him, so he joined the team at Walmart, where he worked in various capacities until suffering an acute stroke. He retired from Walmart in 2015.
Hugh was always looking for things to do and challenges to undertake so he enrolled at the Eastside University (Houston Community College Eastside Campus) where he took courses in Computer Technology and became certified in Microsoft Office. He took great pride in persevering to attain his Certification and did so with distinguished honors.
Hugh Lister was baptized at an early age, at the Palestine Baptist Church by the Late Rev. M. A. Callies. He later united with the Greater Faith Baptist Church, where his father-in-law, Rev. Bennett J. Cortez, was his Pastor and mentor. An ordained Deacon, he was licensed and ordained as a Gospel minister on December 26, 1999. Hugh was currently serving in the ministry under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Pastor Bennett T. Cortez, Sr. Hugh's most powerful message that is remembered by many was entitled, "If It Had Not Been for the Lord Who Was on My Side". Psalms 124.
On August 20, 1983 Hugh entered into the Covenant of Marriage with his best friend and confidant, Sheila Cortez-Lister. To this union two (2) beloved sons were born; Christian James Lister, Sr., (Amber) and Justin Michael Lister. Hugh was blessed with four (4) grandchildren, Ayden (age 6 – Booga); Chris Jr., (age 3 - Heavy Bucket); Aliviyah (Little Princess - age 1) and Ja'Ceion, (Jace, age 3 months).
Cherished memories will be held in the hearts of his sister, Ivory D. Lister; brothers Clint A. Lister, Sr., (Doris); Rory O. Lister (Belvie); Frederick Lister (Ruby); Mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Mae Allen-Cortez, and brother-in-laws Pastor Bennett T. Cortez (Vickie), Rev. Eric W. Cortez, Sr., sister-in-law Lydia Cortez, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
To God Be the Glory for the glorious things He has done in and through the life of Rev. Hugh James Lister!
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