Funeral services for Melinda Lynn Sylestine, 66, of Livingston, Texas, were held Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation Multi-Purpose Center in Livingston, Texas. Interment followed at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Visitation was 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, Roland 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 were Danny Renfro, Grant Bullock, Geoffrey McKinney, Trent Williams, Baxter Polite, and John Robert Bellymule. Honorary pallbearers were Chief Mikko Kanicu Donnis Battise; Amon Sylestine, Bo Langley, and Austin Johnson.
Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
