Della (Fitzgerald) Lumpkin

Funeral services for Della (Fitzgerald) Lumpkin, 77, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jacob Fitzgerald officiating. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 noon in Shiloh New Hope Cemetery in Denning, San Augustine County.

Mrs. Lumpkin was born September 27, 1946, in Chireno, Texas to the late Elizabeth (Stewart) and Jackson M. Fitzgerald, and went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Della truly loved the Lord and lived a life of service and generosity to family, church and community. Third of nine siblings, Della was a fiercely protective daughter and sister. While working as a carhop at Read’s Broilburger, Della met Billy Lumpkin, whom she married in 1967. Their 57-year marriage was a bedrock for their extended family. Ever young at heart, Della was often the center of fun for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She loved reading, laughter, stories, and games of all kinds – from dominos to volleyball to video games. She was a life-long learner and avid traveler, particularly in pursuit of her love of history.

Della was an optician in Lufkin for 42 years; her skill and generosity to her patients were legendary. For many years, she traversed East Texas - from Jasper to Crockett - to provide optical services to those who could not travel to Lufkin. Her giving spirit also extended to help patients in retirement communities or in their homes who were in need of glasses, groceries, or even just a little conversation.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; her siblings, Janette Wilkinson, Mittie Mills, and Jimmy Fitzgerald; her children and their spouses, Beth and Aaron Smith of Lufkin, Ellen A. Lumpkin and Jeff Robinson of Berkeley California, and Billy E. Lumpkin, Jr. of Lufkin; grandchildren and their spouses, Rachel and Rusty Self, Levi and Abigail Smith, Jordan and Kirk Eggleston, Nate Smith, and Aly Lumpkin; great-grandchildren, Theo and Fia Eggleston, and Alannah Self; as well as her siblings’ surviving spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Della was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Jack Fitzgerald; sisters, JoAnn Wisbey and Kathryn Judd; brothers, Calvin, Chris and Billy Fitzgerald; and brother-in-law, H. M. Wilkinson.

Pallbearers will be Billy E. Lumpkin, Jr., Levi Smith, Nate Smith, Matthew Wilkinson, Johnny Mills, Raymond Wisbey, Kirk Eggleston, and Rusty Self.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron Smith and Jeff Robinson.

Della was an active contributor to many charitable causes. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to your charity of choice.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.