Lyssa Ann Turnipseed

Lyssa Ann Turnipseed left this earth on a day synonymous with love, Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025. There is no coincidence as this is the most fitting date for a woman full of such love and compassion. She spent her 59 years on this earth spreading her beautiful light to others. Her last breath was taken at Elgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Elgin, Texas. 

Our mother was born the youngest daughter of four children to Phillip "Buddy" Turnipseed and Betty Ann Lewis on July 11, 1965, in Austin, Texas. She attended school in Austin, but called Giddings home since the early 1980's. In her children's early years she worked at Immanuel Lutheran Daycare. She always possessed the amazing gift of making every child she met feel loved, heard and important. She shared this gift with many of the children in Lee, Bastrop, Fayette and surrounding counties while working for the Family Crisis Center in Bastrop. This was a job she held in high regard. She proudly helped launch programs within several school districts to help children learn about different types of violence, and how to identify and talk about them. She dedicated many years advocating for the rights of children suffering from domestic violence. She was not one to stand by and be silent when she felt something was unjust. She taught those around her to use their voice and in doing so gave profound power to those who had felt powerless.

Though she loved her job dearly it was the title of "Momma" that she truly lived for. Whether being beckoned by one of her own children or one of their friends, to whom she was affectionately known as "Momma Lyssa”, she loved hearing it and made note of this adoration in several of her writings. She was a devoted mother and an avid supporter of her children, both in their sports and in their classrooms. She attended every game and every track meet, and she wasn't a quiet spectator either. She was LOUD! She didn't only show up on the sidelines, as she was also devoted to helping children academically. Her dedication to her own children’s learning helped to improve not only their education, but also to the betterment of protocols facilitating all children with learning disabilities. 

In1999, she was diagnosed with Lupus. While this disease stole her ability to work in the career she adored, it did not stop her from spreading that beautiful light of hers. After this devastating diagnosis Lyssa found her peace in giving peace to others. She did so through a webpage that she created to offer support to others that were living with Lupus. Through this webpage she was able to help others dealing with Lupus and their loved ones to cope. This also rekindled a passion for writing that she had always possessed. She valued what some fail to acknowledge; words are incredibly powerful. They should be used with thoughtful regard. Her kind, supporting, considerate words touched the lives of many people. To know her was to love her and thereby be loved by her. When she loved you, she did so unconditionally. She felt profoundly that everyone was deserving of love and respect. This was an attribute she engrained in her children and grandchildren alike. She led by example and showed us all how far grace goes. 

Lyssa was known lovingly as "Na'Na" or "(Nona) Lyssa" by her 13 grandchildren and one great grandson. This was her retirement gig and her heart's desire. She found great delight in listening to their stories, hearing about their day, helping them with their homework, going on gator rides around the farm amd just being a soft place to have an afternoon snack. All her grandbabies knew that Nona kept her Dr. Pepper's cold and her snacks stocked. She found contentment living in the country with her daughter, son in law and family. She said it was quiet there and she had longed for that. Though she enjoyed country living she was still a city girl at heart. She enjoyed going out to eat and to the movies. Something she did often with one of her best friends, Charlie. Lastly, she was a lifetime Longhorn fan. If the horns had a football game you could guarantee Lyssa would be tuned in, loudly cheering from home. Man what a season they gave her this year!

Lyssa will be wholeheartedly missed by the family she leaves behind. Daughter, Nicci Kalbas (Devon), Sons, Chris Medack (Samantha), Timmy Medack (Sara).

Thirteen Grandchildren, Makaila Lovings, Cameron, Clayton, Conner, Tucker, Granger and Navee Kalbas.v Tyler and Austen Marth, Caden Medack. Corbin, Tinslee and Coy Medack. 

One Great Grandson, Phoxx Lovings. 

Sister Cindy Lewis and Brother Adam Turnipseed (Kimerie) 

Loving Uncle Lloyd "Jr" Lewis and Aunt Georgia, Uncle David Lewis and Aunt Shelley, Aunt Barbara Lewis- Harris and Uncle Terry

Dear Friends Charlie Flores and Donya Markert

Lyssa's memorial service is scheduled for 11am on Friday, February 28th, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral home, Elgin Texas, with lunch to follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Parish Hall. 

In loving memory of our beautiful Momma, we ask that you do what she aspired to do every day; spread kindness, give grace and emulate God's love in the way you treat others.