Lisa Gue Pickens

Lisa Gue Pickens, 54, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023, at her home in Mansfield, Texas.

Lisa was born in Dallas, Texas, on October 2, 1969, the daughter of Peggy (Nutt) and Ronald L. Gue.  She was a 1987 graduate of Stratford High School in Houston. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (1994) and a Master’s in Education (2006) from the University of Houston.

Lisa was born with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but she never allowed her disability to prevent her from a number of achievements.  Throughout her life, she was an accomplished abstract artist, producing several noteworthy pieces.  She worked as a professional graphic designer creating logos, billboards and other advertising products.

Later in life she developed an interest in working with children that led to a career in education.  Whether teaching children’s art classes or working as a tutor in the Mansfield Independent School District, Lisa endeavored to instill in her students a desire for a lifetime of learning.

Her personal life was equally remarkable.  As an extrovert she made friends wherever she went; never allowing her physical disability to isolate her. Her many interests included sailing, quilting, jewelry making and gardening. She loved animals, including her cat Tom-Tom and service dog LeiAnne.  She attended First Methodist Mansfield where she volunteered teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Survivors include her adoptive father Leland Pickens, birth father Ronald L. Gue, step- brother Douglas Pickens, step-sister Tama Pickens Flake, half-brother Kevin Gue and half-sister Kathee Gue Pappa.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., November 4, in the First Methodist Mansfield Chapel, 777 N. Walnut Creek Drive.  A reception will be held in the sanctuary’s Atrium. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Canine Companions at canine.org.