Louise (Brittain) Lindsey

Louise Brittain Lindsey joined the heavenly angels’ choir on December 26, 2015, just hours after Christmas ended. She is reunited with her husband, M. W. (Bill) “Hoss” Lindsey, the love of her life, who preceded her in death. They are together forever in the arms of their Lord.

Louise was born August 14, 1925, in Lufkin, Texas, to Otto and Ruth Brittain, the fourth of their seven children. She is survived by brothers Joseph E. Brittain and his wife, Dixie; Otto J. Brittain; and sisters, Patricia A. Brown; and, Betty Lou Jumper and her husband, Robert. She was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Dixon and Joyce Hooser. Louise was in turn the matriarch of her own large family. She is survived by her four daughters and their families - eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren: Joann and Brian Pruitt (Amarillo, TX), Nancy and Oscar Beaird (Spring Grove, VA), Tamesha and Paul Root (Lufkin, TX), and Abban and Robert Lastovica (Fredericksburg, TX); Jill Pruitt, Isaac and Caleb St. Peter; Robin, Michael, Lauren, Jack, Charlie, and Lucy Lawson; Casey and Genevieve Beaird; Lindsey Root, Abby and Brett Todd; Logan, Mary Avery and Piper Lastovica; Mollie and Canaan Dreibrodt; and, Mattie Lastovica. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families also will cherish her memory. Her spoiled sweet kitty, Snowball, was faithful to the end.

Known to family and friends as “MeeMaw,” Louise married Hoss in 1945 as he began a career with the United States Air Force. She was a dedicated wife and mother, traveling the world as an officer’s wife while raising their four girls. Along the way, they lived in Colorado, Montana, Texas, Virginia, Pakistan, and California. But Lufkin was always “home”. After their Air Force years, MeeMaw and Hoss returned to their Piney Woods roots and enjoyed his second career as Chief of Aviation for Temple Industries. After Hoss’ corporate career, they enjoyed traveling together, RVing with the Lufkin Good Sam Club, and touring extensively throughout the United States. They frequently took along a grandchild or two to enjoy the outings. During their camping trips, they had fun playing cards and dominos, activities MeeMaw continued with her lady friends for decades, playing weekly with relish and a serious dose of competition.

MeeMaw was known for her excellent cooking and warm hospitality. Her kitchen was the heart of her home and her personal territory where her daughters were allowed to learn by helping but knew to stay out of her way. While preparing delicious meals, she loved looking out her kitchen window to see children splashing in the pool, or to watch a hummingbird stop by for a visit to her lovingly tended roses, hibiscus and frangipani. The bird seed feeders were always full enough for the squirrels to share in the bounty. No one ever left MeeMaw’s house hungry.

Beyond her culinary talents, MeeMaw was a creative and gifted seamstress. She loved music and fostered its enjoyment in all her girls. Hymns and classics played softly in the background of her life – unless it was time for Wheel of Fortune and the evening news. Her role as a pilot’s wife gave her the opportunity to be a strong and independent woman. She was staunchly patriotic, learning as a military spouse the price of freedom. She believed in giving back to her community and served with the Angelina County Child Welfare Board, Hospice in the Pines, Womens Shelter of East Texas, and the Community Concert Association. Her faith shaped her values and her values shaped her children.

Louise Lindsey faced life with a strong belief in God, courage to take on challenges, and a sharp sense of humor to help her get through each day. That is how she will be remembered.

As a family, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the helpers we have had at Pine Crest for the past year and a half. The love, support, and care we all received was incredible.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Christ Congregational Church, The Winnie Berry Humane Society, The History Center, or Hospice in the Pines.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, at Carroway Funeral Home. A private burial on Tuesday, December 29, will be followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service at Christ Congregational Church.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.