Phyllis Anne Lumpkin
Phyllis Anne Lumpkin (Hicks), lovingly known as "Skipper," was born on November 3, 1945, and ran into her Savior's arms on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family.
November 3, 1945 – July 14, 2026
Phyllis Anne Lumpkin (Hicks), lovingly known as "Skipper," was born on November 3, 1945, and ran into her Savior’s arms on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to C.M. "Buster" Hicks and Johnnie Opal Richardson. She was the only girl among four children. Before she was even named, her dad had already nicknamed her "Skipper," and that is what she was known as for her entire life.
The family moved to Greggton (Longview), Texas, where she spent her childhood through most of high school. During her senior year, the family moved to Mount Pleasant. After graduating, she remained there, and it was there that she met Gray Lumpkin. After a short courtship, they were married in 1965. They lived in Amarillo for a short time before moving back to Mount Pleasant. They eventually settled in Texarkana, which became home.
By 1968, she had a son, Gary, and only 15 months later welcomed a daughter, Phyllis, making their family complete. Through them, she was blessed with eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Gary (Delisa) gave her Drew (Lauren), Ryan (Krystal), Kade, and Elise (Blake). Phyllis (Jamie) gave her Tyler (Candace), Kendall, and Elizabeth (Trey).
Phyllis later married Clay, and through that marriage she gained a son, Michael (Erica).
Her family was truly the fuel for her fire, and she is the reason her family learned to love hard, love deep, and love like Jesus. She was passionate about many things, but at the top of that list was her love for Jesus Christ. It was because of Him that she loved the way she did. She demonstrated that love in every relationship she had, including the many friendships she made during her 34 years of teaching at Liberty-Eylau. She shared an especially close relationship with her Kathy, whom she loved, and there were many other special friendships throughout her life. She also treasured her Saturday card-playing gatherings with friends.
When you met Skipper, there was always a smile on her face, and you could feel the passion in her heart. She was always a teacher at heart, even after retiring. Whether it was at school, at church, or especially during the summers when the great-grandchildren stayed for weeks at a time, she filled their days with crafts, games, lessons, and, most importantly, teaching them about Jesus.
Many of Skipper’s favorites have been passed down to her family: Purple Cows, nativity scenes, angels, owls, the Dallas Cowboys, puzzles, and coloring. We certainly cannot leave out the many faithful companions she loved throughout her lifetime—Red, Precious, and Roussey—who remained by her side until the very end.
Skipper’s life was a beautiful example of faith, love, and devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless others whose lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM at Redwater First Baptist Church on Friday, July 17, 2026. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the church.
In Lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to Lucky U Rescue, 452 CR 3671, Queen City, Texas, 75572; Redwater First Baptist Church Building Fund, 105 Redwater, Texas, 75501; or any Homeless Shelter.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.