Lori Celeste Lloyd

October 11, 1969 – July 28, 2026

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Lori Celeste Lloyd, who entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 28, 2026, at the age of 56, in Houston, Texas.

While her absence is deeply felt, we find comfort in the hope of God’s promises and rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace in His presence. Lori’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, selfless love, quiet strength, and compassionate service. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Lori was born on October 11, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, to Elma Kathleen “Mumzie” Lloyd and Henry Lloyd. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Elma, in 2001.

As a young mother pursuing her nursing education, Elma made countless sacrifices to create a better future for her family. During that season, she and Henry lovingly made the decision for Lori to spend her early childhood years in Rio Claro, Trinidad, where she was raised with the care and support of her grandparents. Surrounded by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family, Lori experienced a childhood filled with love, laughter, family traditions, and cherished memories that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Lori spent her childhood between Rio Claro, Trinidad, and Brooklyn, New York, embracing the beauty and culture of both places that helped shape the remarkable woman she became. In Brooklyn, she formed many lifelong friendships that eventually became family. She treasured those relationships throughout her life and often reminisced about the simple joys of growing up together, late nights filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and countless games of Spades. Those friendships remained a constant source of love and support through every season of her life.

Lori attended Washington Irving All Girls High School in New York City and graduated in 1987. At the age of sixteen, she met Mark Phalesburgh, and the two later married in 1992. In 1992, Lori and Mark relocated to Houston, Texas, where they built their home and raised their family. They were married for 25 years and together built a life centered on family, love, and commitment. Together they welcomed five children, who became her greatest blessings. Motherhood was the joy of her life, and she poured herself wholeheartedly into raising, nurturing, protecting, and loving each of her children with unwavering devotion.

After settling in Houston, Texas, Lori continued a life centered around caring for others. She began her career working in childcare before opening and operating a daycare from her home, where she lovingly cared for many children and created a safe, nurturing environment that gave parents peace of mind and children a place to thrive.

Her passion for helping others led her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, where she provided compassionate care to residents in long-term care facilities as well as private-duty patients in their homes. Lori’s gentle spirit and natural ability to comfort others allowed her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she cared for and their families. She approached every person with dignity, patience, kindness, and genuine compassion.

Lori later served the Houston community as a Metro bus operator before dedicating the remainder of her career to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she faithfully served as a Correctional Officer with integrity, professionalism, and compassion until her retirement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lori embraced life with joy and curiosity. As a young girl, she was a talented ballerina, and throughout her life she found happiness in writing, studying the Bible, singing, listening to gospel music, traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends. She especially treasured her visits to Rio Claro, Trinidad, returning to the place where so many of her childhood memories began and where she remained deeply connected to her family, her heritage, and the people she loved.

Lori was known for her witty sense of humor, her infectious deep laugh that could fill a room, and her ability to bring joy and warmth into every space she entered. She had a gift for making people smile and feel loved, often through her laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt conversations. Many will remember her long phone calls filled with encouragement, laughter, life updates, and the kind of meaningful connection that made people feel truly valued.

Above all else, Lori was a woman of unwavering faith. She was a devoted non-denominational Christian and a faithful member of First Southwest Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ricky Bradshaw. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life. Through every season, she trusted in His promises and encouraged others to do the same.

Those who knew Lori will forever remember the words that carried her through life: “But God.”

To Lori, those two words were more than a phrase, they were a declaration of faith. They reflected her unshakable belief that no obstacle was too great, no valley too deep, and no circumstance beyond God’s grace, mercy, and power.

Nothing brought Lori greater happiness than her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her heart, and she delighted in celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their dreams, and reminding them of God’s unfailing love. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, cherished daughter, beloved sister, proud aunt, and faithful friend. She loved deeply, gave generously, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone blessed enough to have known her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving father, Henry Lloyd; her children, Nailah Phalesburgh, Tahirah Lloyd, Omari Phalesburgh, Takara Phalesburgh, Ayannah Phalesburgh, and Shatrina Stephens, whom she lovingly raised like her own daughter; her grandchildren, Jahlani Phalesburgh, Jahnai Phalesburgh, Imani Benson Phalesburgh, Gionni Phalesburgh, Nayeli Phalesburgh, Yahri Phalesburgh, and Ethan Phalesburgh; her sisters, Schilana Lloyd, Laila Shah, and Danielle Lloyd; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and kindness.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that Lori is now whole, healed, and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her legacy of unwavering faith, compassion, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the family she cherished, the friends she embraced, and every life she touched.

As we celebrate her remarkable life, we remember the words that became the anthem of her faith: “But God.”

Two simple words that reminded everyone around her that God’s grace is greater than every trial, His promises are stronger than every fear, and His love never fails.

Because of her faith in Jesus Christ, this is not goodbye, it is simply, until we meet again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Missouri City Funeral Home, 4217 Shipmans Cove Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77545, US, on August 15, 2026 at 9:00 am, followed by a Funeral at Forest Park Missouri City Funeral Home, 4217 Shipmans Cove Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77545, US, on August 15, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Committal will take place at Paradise Cemetery South, 2237 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581, US, on August 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm, and a Celebration of Life Reception will be held on August 15, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.