Lynda Chisum Reeves, 83, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 27, 1943, in McAllen, Texas, Lynda lived a life defined by caring for others.

As a teenager, Lynda traveled with the Melody Maids to New York and Iceland where she danced the polka with a Russian ambassador. Her time with the Melody Maids left her with poise, exceptional manners, and experiences she cherished throughout her life. She graduated from China High School in 1961 and later attended Stephen F. Austin State University with her younger sister, Vee.

While working at Gulf States Utilities, Lynda met the love of her life, Thomas Wayne "Tom" Reeves. They married in 1967 and built a life centered on family, friendship, and service. Together they raised four children: Lee, Scott, Carmel, and Chisum.

The couple spent a year in Slidell, Louisiana, after Tom was transferred to New Orleans. While there, Tom suffered a heart attack that ultimately led them to Houston, where he underwent a heart transplant. Following his recovery, they returned to Beaumont. Aside from those temporary moves and Lynda's later stay in Tomball during the COVID pandemic, she spent nearly six decades in the home she and Tom purchased when they married. That home became a refuge for family, friends, and anyone in need.

Although she worked outside the home at various times as Interim Director of Fairway Halfway House, a life insurance agent with Lincoln National Life, and a Home Interiors sales consultant, Lynda considered caring for her family to be her most important work.

Serving others was the hallmark of her life. She cared for her grandmother, her son Scott, who had Down syndrome, and her granddaughter Alex. If Lynda believed someone needed help, she found a way to provide it.

Her home was always open. Over the years, residents of Fairway House with nowhere to spend the holidays, teenagers needing a safe place to stay, friends facing divorce or personal hardship, relatives displaced by fire, and countless others found comfort, acceptance, and love within her walls. Many people who were not related by blood became family through her generosity.

Lynda was active in Forest Park United Methodist Church, where she served on the church board, directed the children's choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and volunteered in the church office. She later attended Wesley United Methodist Church and First Christian Church of Beaumont. Faith was important to Lynda, but she expressed it more through her actions than her words. Her kindness, hospitality, and willingness to help others reflected her beliefs every day.

She was also active in BCRC, advocating for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and helping create opportunities for those whose voices were often overlooked.

In her later years, Lynda developed a treasured friendship with Thad Nobles, whom she met as her Uber driver. What began as a chance encounter grew into a deep friendship, and Thad, his wife Mary, and their daughter Kaliana became a second family to her.

Lynda spent her final days surrounded by the love and support of her daughters, Lee and Carmel; her sons-in-law, David and Jim; and her granddaughters, Sam and Alex.

Lynda is survived by her daughter, Lynda Lee Welch and husband David Welch; her daughter, Carmel Reeves Myers and husband Jim Myers; and her son, Chisum Reeves and wife Jessica Reeves. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Samantha Welch, Alex Reeves, Lukas Matucheski, Spencer Matucheski, Thomas Reeves, Sebastian Reeves, and Vera Reeves; her sister-in-law, Debbie Jones; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Wayne Reeves; her son, Scott Reeves; her parents, Clyde C. and Vera Hybarger Chisum; her sisters, Carmel Chisum Birdwell and Vee Chisum; and her beloved grandparents, Lee and Artie Hybarger.

A graveside service will be held at Haven of Rest Cemetery on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers are Thad Nobles, James Birdwell, Mike Rollins, and Gary Tyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant House or to the charitable organization of your choice that supports underserved communities, immigrants, or others facing hardship.

Lynda's legacy is found in the lives she touched. She spent a lifetime creating family through love, friendship, faith, and service. Her home was a place of refuge, her heart was open to everyone, and her example of quiet compassion will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.