Funeral services for Lynda Gail Douglas Shimek, 52, of Beaumont will be held Friday, September 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Chapel. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lynda was born August 7, 1957 in Beaumont and passed away September 14, 2009 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Lynda was a 1975 graduate of French High School and member of the Buffalo Belles. After graduation, she became a Registered Nurse.

Lynda and her husband, David lived various places in the world, returning to Beaumont two years ago. Wherever she lived, Lynda was active in the arts and crafts community, enjoyed photography, flowers and gardening, and shopping. She had a great love for animals, volunteering much of her time with various animal organizations. In 2008, she was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year with the Human Society of Southeast Texas.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, David L. Shimek of Beaumont; mother, Lydia McKinley Douglas of Vidor; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger and Gloria Douglas of Lumberton, David and Janet Douglas of Sugar Land; sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Herb Minyard of Baytown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lynda also left a host of great friends in the communities where she lived.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl N. Douglas and daughter, Lydia Katherine "Katie" Shimek.

Friends who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Road, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or the American Cancer Society.

The family wish to extend their special thanks to Dr. Frankie Ann Holmes and the staff of Texas Oncology of Houston for their care and support during Lynda's illness.