Elizabeth "Sissy" Mccuistion

Elizabeth Avery McCuistion, lovingly known as “Sissy,” passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 88. She was welcomed into heaven, reunited at last with her beloved husband, Mac, whom she had missed dearly since his passing.

Born in Paducah, Kentucky, to Frederick Mercer and Bessie Mae Avery, Sissy spent her early years alongside her cherished sister, Virginia “Gigi” Avery Jordan. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she graduated as Salutatorian from Little Rock Central High School. Sissy had a natural gift for performance—whether on stage or in everyday life—captivating those around her with her radiant smile, singing voice, and boundless charm. She never met a stranger, treating everyone she encountered with warmth, whether a grocery store clerk or a corporate executive. Her ability to make people feel seen and valued became the foundation of a life spent in service to others.

While attending Mississippi State College for Women, fate led her to Herman Dwan “Mac” McCuistion, the man who would become her lifelong love. For 59 years, they built a beautiful life together, raising four children—Frederic Scott, Stewart Dwan, Mark Avery, and Lisa Elizabeth—in Dallas, Texas. Sissy’s family was the heart of her world, and when her children became parents, she embraced her cherished role as “Mimi” to her six grandchildren. Her love knew no bounds, and she delighted in showering them with affection, laughter, and a bit of well-earned spoiling.

Faith was the compass that guided Sissy through life’s joys and challenges. Her relationship with God brought her strength, particularly during the unimaginable loss of her son, Stewart, at just 10 years old. Even in grief, she found purpose in sharing her faith, singing in church choirs, leading Bible studies, and offering words of encouragement to all who crossed her path. She believed deeply in the power of love, kindness, and the promise of Heaven.

After her children left home, Sissy pursued a new chapter, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas Woman’s University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her passion for helping others led her to provide free therapy sessions in her home—offering support, comfort, and understanding to those in need. Later, when she and Mac moved to New Jersey, she continued her calling, working at a senior center where she doted on elderly clients as if they were family. Even in her final years in a memory care center, she instinctively sought to help those around her, a testament to her unwavering spirit of compassion.

Sissy was preceded in death by her husband, Mac; her beloved son, Stewart; her parents, Frederick and Bessie; and her sister, Virginia.

She is survived by her children, Scott McCuistion, Mark McCuistion, and Lisa Lewis (Mike); and her adored grandchildren, Avery McCuistion, Myer McCuistion, Michael McCuistion (Amber), Michelle McCuistion, Ethan Lewis, and Hannah Lewis (Tucker).

Sissy’s life was a melody of love, faith, and service—one that will continue to echo in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness, and while she will be profoundly missed, her spirit will forever shine in the lives of those who knew her.

If desired, contributions may be made in honor of Sissy to Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, https://hdnbc.org/