Melinda Lynn Sylestine

Funeral services for Melinda Lynn Sylestine, 66, of Livingston, Texas will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation Multi-Purpose Center in Livingston, Texas. Interment will follow at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the family’s residence.

Melinda was born January 10, 1960, in Woodville, Texas and passed away May 9, 2026, in Shenandoah, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Poncho and Nettie Lee Battise; sisters, Nellie Marie Sylestine and Sharon Sue Morris; and sister-in-law, Dolores Poncho.

She is survived by her husband, Don Sylestine; daughter and son-in-law, Rochellda Sylestine and Darrell Spear; sons, Kirk Sylestine, Julian Sylestine, and Dannon Sylestine; grandchildren, Jett Johnson Sylestine, Drake Johnson, Naki Thompson, and Wyatt Battise; sister, Anna Lou Obe; brothers, Ronald Poncho and Rodney Poncho; sister, Jennifer D. Poncho; and special sisters, Margaret Celestine, Othelda Williams, Judy Williams, Terra Langley, and Deborah Sylestine; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Pallbearers: Danny Renfro, Grand Bullock, Geoffrey McKinney, Trent Williams, Baxter Polite, and John Robert Bellymule.

Honorary Bearers: Chief Mikko Kanicu Donnis Battise; Amon Sylestine, Bo Langley, and Austin Johnson.