Biography: Mary Lynda McCuistion Lewis, who loved well and was so well loved in return, died peacefully on December 9, 2024. 

For the first eleven years of her life growing up in El Dorado, Arkansas, Lynda was the adored only child of J.B. and Margaret McCuistion.  That changed with the birth of a sister, Sandra (nicknamed “Butchie”), who became her great joy and best friend. 

After graduation from El Dorado High School in 1949, Lynda attended two years at Henderson State Teachers College and then married her high school beau, Sexton Lewis.  The couple moved to Little Rock where Sexton began a cardiology residency and later practice, while Lynda worked first at the Little Rock Housing Authority and then at Arkansas Power and Light.  They had two children, a son, John, and a daughter, Sarah.

Among other community involvement, Lynda devoted much of her time outside the home to First United Methodist Church in Little Rock.  Over the years, she served on every committee of the church and especially enjoyed her volunteer work with “Contact,” a crisis call center.  She made life-long and deeply cherished friends through the Bowen Sunday School Class and singing in the church Ensemble. Lynda had a positive and loving spirit, never uttering a bad word about anyone.  She had a keen mind and could work the Times crossword in a flash, go through two novels a week, and always won in Trivial Pursuit.   She was also just fun to be with.  Poised and gracious, Lynda had an unsuspecting and witty sense of humor and loved a good joke or well-timed quip.

Most of all, Lynda was utterly devoted to her family.  She spent countless hours with her beloved children and grandchildren and their activities.  She traveled extensively, both home and abroad with them. This included many cross country car trips patiently endured in the back of the family minivan with fractious grandchildren.  Those times and trips will not be forgotten.  Lynda’s unending care and involvement in the lives of her grandchildren earned her the moniker of “Mommy Too,” (as in also my mom) coined by an observant and adoring grandchild.  Her favorite times were hosting her family and her sister’s family at Christmas in her home, playing the piano while directing the assigned singing parts of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The singing talent may have been lacking but the fun was not. She will be deeply missed but leaves joy in the hearts of all she touched and loved.             

Lynda is survived by her two children, Sarah Lewis James (Paul) and John Lewis (Vicki) of Little Rock and her five grandchildren:  Gray and Logan Lewis, and Frances, Drew, and Caroline James.  She is also survived by her brother-in- law, Howard Elder of Rocky Face, Georgia, and nephews, Steve Elder (Anastasia) of Starkville, Mississippi, Bruce Elder (Heather) and Scott Elder (Brooke) both of Atlanta, as well as eight great nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her beloved parents and sister, Sandra McCuistion Elder. 

The family is extremely grateful for the support of Lynda’s friends and the loving care she received by the dedicated staff at the House of Three and Gentiva Hospice, particularly in her last days. 

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm, with reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St., Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 or to a charity or nonprofit of your choosing.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com