Paris, Texas -- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lisa Kathleen Lipstraw, who left this world on June 5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Lisa was born on May 4, 1975, in Dallas, Texas, to her loving parents Henry and Louise Lipstraw.
Lisa was a shining beacon of kindness, intelligence, and determination throughout her life. She touched the hearts of many as a dedicated teacher to thousands of students during her 17 years at Commerce High School and 7 years at Paris Junior High. Her passion for education and nurturing young minds was evident in everything she did. Lisa's educational journey took her to East Texas Baptist University, and Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor's degrees in English and Earth Science, and the University of Southern Mississippi in London in the United Kingdom for British Studies. Her thirst for knowledge and academic achievements were a testament to her intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.
Beyond her professional life, Lisa had a deep love for her precious dogs and all their antics, Lola, Opie, Diogy, and Oiusa and her adventurous cats Bird and Wednesday. She enjoyed watercolor painting, crocheting, taking photos of beautiful flowers, and exploring the world through her amazing travel with friends, family and students. She found solace and joy in these hobbies and interests, which allowed her creativity to flourish and grow.
In her community, Lisa was a cherished member of Roxton United Methodist Church, she was involved in the Methodist Women's Group as President and Secretary, and sang in her church choir including many solos. She worked for the Dorothy West Food Pantry whenever needed and she was the past editor for the Roxton Progress. She was an active member of NorthEast Texas Emmaus Group and a DKG Theta Phi Sisters Member, Secretary and Registrar for the upcoming NorthEast Texas Regional Workshop. She was also a cherished leader at Commerce High School and Paris Junior High helping many students in all areas including: UIL, National Junior Honor Society, Future Problem Solvers, Commerce High School Drill Team Coach, Hospitality, DWAC and Textbook Committees, English Department Head,Chaperone for dances and EF Tours taking students on trips around the world, Special Olympics program, Summer School Camps, ATPE Teacher of the Year Finalist, and anything else that she could do to give to students her whole heart. Her involvement in these organizations showcased her commitment to serving her students and building meaningful connections within her community.
Lisa is survived by her father Henry Lipstraw, her sister Amy Fonseca and her husband Erasmo, nephews Antonio and Enrique Fonseca, her brother Dennis Lipstraw and his wife Betty, niece Stephanie Pierce and her husband Eric, nephew Dennis Lipstraw Jr. and his wife Jacey, nephew Ryan Lipstraw and his wife Jo Beth Gordon and their children Harper and Hallie, niece Jessica and her husband Ricky Ashmore and their children Aria, Peyton and Rickey Jr. and niece Adrianna Silva and her husband Aaron Yanez and their children Riley and Felix. Lisa was preceded in death by her mother Louise Lipstraw, Grandparents Antonio and Elizabeth Garcia and Henry and Ruth Lipstraw. Lisa also left behind countless friends that are so precious to her.
A celebration of Lisa's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Lamar Avenue in Paris, Texas on Thursday June 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will be held following the service at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Petty Texas. Friends and family are also welcome to attend visitation on Wednesday at 6 pm at Cooper Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove Texas. This will be a time to honor and remember the remarkable person Lisa was, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind.
In her memory, let us carry forward Lisa's spirit of kindness, her dedication to education, and her love for life's simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she inspired and loved. May she rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com
