Etta Lynch

ETTA LYNCH
Sept 19, 1924 - Nov 30, 2020

Born Etta Lee Jones in Abilene, Texas, on September 19, 1924, Etta passed away on November 30, 2020, in Hampton at Meadows Place Assisted Living near Houston, where she had lived happily for more than 10 years.

Etta grew up in eastern New Mexico where she and her family survived the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression before moving to Sweetwater, Texas, in the mid 30's. Her mother Elsie Pearl brought her up in the Church of Christ in the acapella tradition, and Etta could sing alto and soprano with ease. She sang on KXOX, the Sweetwater radio station, as a teenager and sang throughout her life to the pleasure of all around her. Her father Arthur Lewis (widely known as "Deacon") introduced her to the world of books, and the written word became a life-long passion.

Her first marriage to James Bennett Haynes took her to the Mexican border, where her two children, Joy Elsie and Jim Tom, were born. She quickly learned Spanish with a near perfect accent and enjoyed speaking and singing in Spanish all her life.

After her marriage ended, Etta attended beauty school in San Antonio, then moved back to Sweetwater to be with her family and help raise her younger siblings along with her own. Following graduation of the siblings from high school, she moved to Lubbock, Texas, where she married Jimmy B. Lynch, also of Sweetwater and friend from her early teens. After Joy and Jim Tom graduated from high school, she pursued her first love of writing. She became a successful author and published a number of fiction and nonfiction books, one of which was made into a movie. She also taught creative writing at Texas Tech University from time to time.

Etta and Jimmy became avid dancers, dancing everything from country swing (their favorite) to the tango and rhumba. When they took to the dance floor, others stepped back to watch. After Jimmy's death in 1996, she remained in Lubbock for several years before making her move to Houston.

Etta was preceded in death by all of her beloved siblings - Joe, James, Lloyd, Genie, George, and Ruth Ann. They were a close and loving family.

Outgoing, smiling and gracious, she always had kind words and friendly advice for her friends and those less able at The Hampton. Her strong voice will be missed during church services there, as will the Spanish songs she sang for all until the last.

She is survived by Joy and Jim Tom and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all dear to her.

In view of her strongly stated wishes and the epidemic, there will be no memorial services. Joy and Jim Tom will take her ashes to rest alongside Jimmy at Resthaven Mausoleum in Lubbock.

All are encouraged to leave tribute messages and memories at http://integrityfuneral.com