Share Denise Sylestine's obituary with others.
Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
Stay updated
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Please select what you would like included for printing:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Denise
Sylestine
January 29, 1955 – May 8, 2012
Obituary
Obit Denise Sylestine
The Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation of Texas lost one of its proudest citizens when Denise Sylestine passed on May 8, 2012, after a brief illness, at the Memorial Hospital in Lufkin. She was born on January 29, 1955, to Doris and Harry Sylestine, both full blood citizens of the Nation. She was very proud of her Native American culture, and supported the Tribe through her service as the President of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Club, which was dedicated to preserving the customs and beliefs of the Tribe. She attended many celebrations (aka ""powwows"") of her Native culture, not only locally, but nationwide. She had many friends locally and across the country. One of the many celebrations that she supported and was looking forward to was the annual Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Celebration, which is approaching its 44th anniversary in a few weeks.
Denise initiated the Tribal recognition of the Tribal veterans of military service on Veterans Day in 1982, with a dinner and a ceremony. She continued every year until 2002, when she began leading the ceremony every other year.
She lived a very traditional Native life which demonstrated her beliefs and customs. She lived very simply, often putting service to her family and relatives above her own needs, and was generous to a fault.
Of her immediate family, Denise is survived by her sisters, Jo Ann Battise (Stanley), Carol Battise (Donnis), and brother, Thomas Sylestine. Her parents, her sisters, Irma Gene Sylestine and Moree Smythe Poncho, and brothers, Terry Sylestine and Alton Lee Sylestine predeceased her. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the niece of Chief Oscola, the Chief of the Tribe.
Services were held at the MultiPurpose Center at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation on Friday, May 11, 2012, at 1:00 PM. Pallbearers were Tobine Alec, Trevor Sylestine, Jonathan Richard, Logan Alec, Jordan Alec, Kirk Battise, Dustin Battise, and Brett Sylestine. Honorary Pallbearers were Samuel Richard, Bryce Battise, Christian Thompson, and Jaycob Stafford. Interment was at the Reservation Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the MultiPurpose Center beginning at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
e of the arrangements.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Top sign the online guest book, go to www.cochranfh.com
The Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation of Texas lost one of its proudest citizens when Denise Sylestine passed on May 8, 2012, after a brief illness, at the Memorial Hospital in Lufkin. She was born on January 29, 1955, to Doris and Harry Sylestine, both full blood citizens of the Nation. She was very proud of her Native American culture, and supported the Tribe through her service as the President of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Club, which was dedicated to preserving the customs and beliefs of the Tribe. She attended many celebrations (aka ""powwows"") of her Native culture, not only locally, but nationwide. She had many friends locally and across the country. One of the many celebrations that she supported and was looking forward to was the annual Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Celebration, which is approaching its 44th anniversary in a few weeks.
Denise initiated the Tribal recognition of the Tribal veterans of military service on Veterans Day in 1982, with a dinner and a ceremony. She continued every year until 2002, when she began leading the ceremony every other year.
She lived a very traditional Native life which demonstrated her beliefs and customs. She lived very simply, often putting service to her family and relatives above her own needs, and was generous to a fault.
Of her immediate family, Denise is survived by her sisters, Jo Ann Battise (Stanley), Carol Battise (Donnis), and brother, Thomas Sylestine. Her parents, her sisters, Irma Gene Sylestine and Moree Smythe Poncho, and brothers, Terry Sylestine and Alton Lee Sylestine predeceased her. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the niece of Chief Oscola, the Chief of the Tribe.
Services were held at the MultiPurpose Center at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation on Friday, May 11, 2012, at 1:00 PM. Pallbearers were Tobine Alec, Trevor Sylestine, Jonathan Richard, Logan Alec, Jordan Alec, Kirk Battise, Dustin Battise, and Brett Sylestine. Honorary Pallbearers were Samuel Richard, Bryce Battise, Christian Thompson, and Jaycob Stafford. Interment was at the Reservation Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the MultiPurpose Center beginning at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
e of the arrangements.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Top sign the online guest book, go to www.cochranfh.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise Sylestine, please visit our flower store.
Denise Sylestine's Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors