Mary Lynnette Kimble

Graveside services for Mary Lynnette Kimble, 83, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin with Bro. Ty Phillips officiating.

Mary Lynnette Kimble known to friends as Lynnette, was born on April 3, 1942, and raised in Lufkin, Texas. She grew up with her three brothers-Kimmie, Eddie and Reagan-in a lively and loving home. She often spoke fondly of her childhood, remembering her mother bringing home baby chicks in the spring and long barefoot days playing with her brothers and neighborhood children down at the creek near their house. One of her most cherished memories was of her father's small pet alligator, kept in a john boat by the water.

Lynnette's father, Charles Tyton Kimble, served in the Army infantry during World War II and was stationed in the Pacific, deploying when she was two years old and returning when she was four. He worked most of his life at the Southland Paper Mill, both before and after the war, and was the go-to handyman in the neighborhood. Her mother, Edna Fay Kimble, worked as a telephone operator. Like many in their community, her extended family worked at the local foundry or the mill.

Lynnette's early years were filled with simple joys-family road trips, Sunday church, and developing a creative spirit that would carry her through life. In high school, she had a storytelling segment on a local TV station with a friend-Lynnette played piano while her friend read stories to children. She graduated from Lufkin High School in 1960, where she was deeply involved in learning theater, set design, lighting, and acting.

After high school, Lynnette attended the University of North Texas. In 1962, she met and married Lee Born. They moved to Hawaii where she continued her studies at the University of Hawaii and had her first child, Christopher. They later moved back to Texas where she finished her English degree at Lamar University in Houston and had her second child, Heather. After fifteen years together, Lee and Lynnette ended their marriage in 1977.

Over the years, Lynnette held a wide range of jobs. Early on, she worked as a department store model, and later at Texaco, she managed data reels on early IBM computers. After college, she taught high school English and theater, sometimes bringing her toddlers Chris and Heather along to "help" paint stage flats. After spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Lynnette returned to the workforce-first with Western Union, selling teletype machines, and then in real estate where she thrived during her time with Century 21 and General Homes, eventually becoming a top-performing sales trainer for Gemcraft Homes.

It was through respective careers in real estate that Lynnette met Duane Wolden. They married in 1980, and she embraced her role as stepmother to his daughter, Renee. Though Lynnette and Duane were different in many ways, their bond was strong and full of affection. They enjoyed frequent visits to Duane's river house, capturing the beauty of the world through nature photography. They continued to build a life together until Duane succumbed to Parkinson's disease in 2017.

Lynnette enjoyed gardening and riding her bicycle in the evenings to watch the sunset. She possessed a lifelong passion for theater and poetry. She was a devoted grandmother who cherished being a playful and imaginative "Nana" for her granddaughters Jessica and Marlowe. Jessica fondly recalls playing store with her Nana in a space under her stairs; Marlowe remembers Nana taking her on walks after the rain to splash in the puddles.

During her later years, Lynnette reverted back to using Mary, her father's childhood name for her. After Duane's death, she took comfort in her memories of childhood and her deep love for her parents.

She is survived by her children, Chris and Heather and her stepdaughter Renee; son-in-law Michael; grandchildren Jessica and Marlowe; brothers Eddie and Reagan; sisters-in-law Kathy and Nita, and many nieces and nephews and other loved ones whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit. She lived a creative and compassionate life and will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

She will be welcomed home by her husband Duane, her mother Edna, her father Charles, her older brother Kimmie, and her niece Kimberly.

Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.