Lynell Bickley

Lynell (Nell) Reeves Jones Bickley went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025. While listening to the FBC Athens service with her daughter, the congregation sang, "When We All Get to Heaven." Moments later, she peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus.

Born August 20, 1933, in Grand Saline, TX, to Flossie and Egbert Reeves, and raised in Forest Hill, Nell discovered her lifelong passion for music through a rare opportunity to take piano lessons. After graduating from Quitman High School, she attended Tyler Junior College.

In 1951, Nell married Jesse Jones. Following his service in the Marines, they made their home in Mineola, where they raised their family and filled their days with fishing, hunting, water skiing, and Friday night fish fries. Married nearly 50 years, they built a wonderful life grounded in laughter, devotion, and a whole lot of love for their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Nell worked for Mineola ISD for 23 years and was an active member of FBC Mineola, where she served as Church Pianist for 40 years. She accompanied youth choirs, baking cookies for every trip, and volunteered to play the piano at church and community events, including weekly performances for the Lions Club.

In 2000, she married Jim Bickley. Together they traveled the country in their RV and on their motorcycles, cherishing the beauty of God's creation. They learned how to play the guitar, studied their Sunday School lessons, and enjoyed each other's company wherever the road led them.

When asked what she'd do after retiring as church pianist, she smiled and said, "I think I'll wear hats every Sunday, sit on the back row, and chew gum!" Though, her service never ended. Even in her later years, Nell continued to share her ministry of music as Church Pianist at Grace Baptist Church Tyler and by playing regularly at a retirement home, during special events at TJC, and throughout family gatherings, especially near the Christmas season.

Nell was known for the twinkle in her eye, elegant hats, beautiful gardening, unwavering faith, and gracious hospitality, always ready to play a game of Bananagrams while offering coffee and her famous homemade pies, heart-healthy muffins, or symphony brownies. She brought light, joy, and song to everyone around her, and her legacy continues in every heart she touched.

She is preceded in death by husbands Jim Bickley and Jesse Jones, parents Flossie and Egbert Reeves, daughter Diana Lynn Jones, brothers Egbert Jr. and wife Lorraine and Kenneth and wife Betty Reeves, and brothers-in-law Ben Farr and Mickey Jones. She is survived by her daughter Dorothy and husband Richard Grymonprez of Athens, granddaughters Courtney and husband Jesse Chan of Austin, Catherine of Dallas, sister Glenna Farr of Lubbock, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at FBC Mineola on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 am. (Visitation 10:15) Hats encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital and Grace Baptist Church Tyler.