Vashti Houston Lunsford

Vashti Houston Lunsford Services for Vashti Houston Lunsford will be Monday May 1, 2006, at 12:00 Noon at Rader Funeral Home Chapel, 1617 Judson Road, Longview. Mrs. Lunsford went home to be with her Lord on April 25, 2006. The family will receive friends 11-12 pm on Monday May 1, prior to the funeral. Interment will be in Gardfen of Memories, Minden, LA. Mrs. Lunsford was born September 21, 1912 in Sarepta, LA, to J.R. and Mittie Houston, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, W. A. Lunsford, her daughter, Linda Kaye Rentz and her three sisters. Mrs. Lunsford was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Sarepta High School and a business woman for 44 years. She retired from owning and operating Lunsford's Downtowner Restaurant in Minden. LA. in 1973. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Minden for 44 years working as a Sunday School teacher for high school girls, volunteering in the Family Life Center after retiring and participating in XYZ in her latter years. After moving to Longview in 1992, she regularly attended New Beginnings Baptist Church as long as health permitted. "Mamba" as her grandchildren lovingly called her will be remembered as a godly woman who never had a cross word or criticism for anyone. She was an avid reader, doting grandmother and a wonderful cook with the gift of hospitality. She was never pretentious and always the ultimate lady in her speech, dress, and behavior. Vashti was named for a Biblical queen who exemplified strength and character under extreme circumstances. Much of Vashti Lunsfords long life mirrored those same characteristics. She was widowed almost 40 years ago and suffered a long dibilitating disease, but she lived up to her name in every respect. Survivors include her daughter, and son-in-law, Sandra and larry Risinger of Longview; grandaughter, Jenifer Risinger, Longview, grandson, Steven Risinger and his family Tammy and Mitchell, Memphis, TN. granddaughter, Kim Roberson and her family Cade and Jackson Katy, TX., grandaughter, Robin McPhail and her family Thomas, Kayla, and Bryce Burleson, TX, son-in-law, Jim Renz and wife Pam, Haughton, LA.;nieces and nephews, Frank and Juanita Slack, Litle Rock, AR; George and Dottie Stroud, Spring, TX; Nell and Jack Bice, Lewiston, ID;and Sue and Gene Sullivan, Cotton Valley, LA; and sisters-in-law, Callie Mae Campbell, Daisy Cummings, Douglas Warreen, Mary Shrader, and Nellie Martin. Officiating the service will be Rev. Tom Roberson, Oakland Heights Baptist Church Longview and in absentia, Rev. Ronnie Laughlin, First Baptist Church, San Angelo, TX. Pallbearers will be Steven and Mitchell Risinger, Cade Roberson, Jim Renz, Frank Slack, Gene Sullivan, Jack Bice and George Stroud.

Vashti Houston Lunsford

September 21, 1912 - April 25, 2006