Elizabeth M. Rayburn

Elizabeth M. Rayburn died peacefully in her home on December 8, 2014 at the age of 91 after a two year courageous battle against cancer. She was known to her grandchildren and many friends as Mimi. Mimi was universally loved by everyone she met. She was that rare individual who always thought about others first and herself second. She tirelessly gave of herself and was even giving friends rides to medical appointments well into her 80's. She has been described as a "lovely lady", humble, poised, kind, and gentle. She enjoyed being a full-time homemaker and was a tireless volunteer. Elizabeth taught her children the values and virtues her parents taught her. These same values and virtues have been passed along and are now evident in her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Robert G. and Vera McKissack, brother, Robert G. McKissack, Jr., and sister, Margaret McKissack Boone. She was widowed at the age of 58 losing the love of her life and best friend, Bob. Through her grief she forged on, a testament to her faith in God and her belief that each day was a gift. She is survived by her two children, Randy Rayburn and wife, Julie Phillips, and Rebecca "Becky" Goodloe and husband, Randy of Lake Charles; two grandchildren, Chas Drost and wife, Casey, also of Lake Charles, and Annie Drost Berrigan and husband, Tony; four great-grandchildren, Brooks and Sophie Drost, and Fischer and Ben Berrigan. She is also survived by a sister, Sue McKissack of Bolton, MS and a brother, Howard McKissack of Mandeville. The family wishes to thank her dear friend and sitter, Mary Hebert. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00pm Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie at the Burden Museum and Garden, 4560 Essen Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to 'St. Jude Children\\'s Research Hospital'or to the charity of your choice.