Lisa Gail Hall Magee

 

Lisa Gail Hall Magee went to her eternal home in Heaven on June 23rd. She

was 66 years old. “YAYA,” as she was affectionately known, was surrounded by loved ones, at home, at the time of her passing.

Lisa, also known as “World’s Best” wife, mom, YAYA, and friend was born February 11, 1957 in Hereford, Texas. Her loving parents were Shirley and Orin Harris. Lisa was a 1975 graduate of Dimmitt High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University after attending Amarillo College. Lisa and Kelley Magee were married June 10, 1983. Incredibly smart, fearless, and filled with JOY, she radiated happiness everywhere she went. She redefined the word perseverance. Once she committed to do something, she went above and beyond until she exceeded even her own expectations. This would include her famous banana pudding which everyone loved! On January 18, 1986, Lisa and Kelley welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Stephanie. She followed in her own mother’s footsteps being the best mom ever! She doted over her daughter, making sure she had everything she needed, even ironing her clothes on winter mornings to make sure she had a warm and cozy start to her day. She worked full time at Pantex as a Health Physics Senior Specialist and then took a part-time job in Dillard’s shoe department to make sure Stephanie got the best of everything.

Lisa loved God! She and Stephanie would take notes in “Big church” then compare them over lunch. Her Christlike spirit reached out to people and connected with them. Just when everyone thought she couldn’t possibly pour out even more love on those so dear to her, her first grandchild, Miles, arrived on the scene!  Lisa was in love, AGAIN! She adored her precious new grandson. Not wanting to have a grandparent’s name that sounded old, she chose “YAYA” because it sounded FUN! Her name was a predictor of the type of grandparent she would be. YAYA rode bikes with Miles, always had a great supply of any type of candy he might desire and was always interested in whatever he was interested in. Soon to follow Miles was Maggie. Maggie was the icing on her grandparent cake! YAYA would dress up on Halloween with her grandchildren. She was not one to sit on the sidelines. When they went to a waterpark, YAYA got in with them going down all the slides and keeping up with their every twist and turn! Maggie stated, “YAYA never gets tired until it’s time for bed!” One look at YAYA’s eyes told a story of how much she loved her grandchildren and her whole family.

Those sparkling green eyes could light up a room upon her entering. Her contagious laugh brought joy to every event from the simplest of family dinners to big celebrations. She could whistle like no other! Everyone depended on Lisa to get everyone’s attention at family gatherings, children and adults would come running. She competed in the triathlon at Lake Tanglewood.  When she got to the bridge, her grandchildren would run with her to the finish line.

She had a passion for fitness. Always striving to try new things, she joined the WARRIORS outdoor fitness class, later in life. She found a new zest for living along with a dear group of friends who hiked and biked together. Once again, Lisa was not just along for the ride. She learned to ride a mountain bike and was a natural. She also completed a half-marathon just three years ago. She always gave 100% in everything she did. May YAYA’S legacy live on in us as we all run our race with JOY and determination to the finish line!

Lisa is survived by her husband, Kelley; daughter, Stephanie (Paul) Smith of Amarillo; stepson, Steve Magee of Amarillo; and two grandchildren, Miles and Maggie Smith of Amarillo.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 1208 South Tyler Street, Amarillo, Texas 79101. Pastor Howie Batson will be officiating. Lisa’s daughter made a special request for everyone to wear pink or blue, and as YAYA would say, “Don’t forget your lipstick!”

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Snack Pak 4 Kids, an organization close to Lisa’s heart. Donations can be mailed to:

Snack Pak 4 Kids / 701 Park Place Ave / Amarillo, TX / 79101 or WWW.Sp4k.org

The family would like to give a special thanks to Ruby Slippers and High Plains Hospice for their loving care of Lisa.