Ann Shafto Noel

ANN SHAFTO NOEL passed away peacefully at her home in Houston surrounded by her children on April 27, 2024. 

Ann was born on January 30, 1933, in Monroe, Louisiana to Sara Neville and Wesley (Bobby) Simes Shafto. Ann attended Monroe’s Neville High School, named after her maternal grandfather Ernest Neville.  Ann graduated from Newcomb College in 1955, where she studied elementary education and was a proud member of Chi Omega sorority.  Following college graduation Ann married John P. Noel, Jr. and together they shared 50 blessed and happy years.  Ann and John were christened together as infants, were childhood friends and went on to become college sweethearts.  After John's passing in 2006, Ann found great joy in her nine-year marriage to Thomas J. Lisenby.   

With Ann’s support and commitment, John’s career took them to Port Arthur, Pittsburgh, Madrid, Tokyo, Philadelphia, and Houston, making countless friends around the world.  Ann took great pride in her Houston home, where she lived for 51 years.  Ann’s home reflected her love of antiques, gardening and her southern style. Following John’s retirement, Houston County Lake became a second home where they enjoyed spending many happy days with family, relaxing on the porch, bird watching, reading and visiting with their neighbors. 

Ann enjoyed traveling to England, combining her love of history, architecture, art and beautiful gardens. She was a lifelong learner taking history, decorative and fine arts classes for many years.  She cherished weekends in Galveston with Tom, her time on the golf course and around the mahjong table.  

A lifelong Episcopalian, Ann was a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where she was a member of the Altar Guild.  She was a dedicated and passionate docent at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens for many years. Ann was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. 

Ann lived for, supported and loved her family and many dear friends.  Nothing brightened “Gran’s” day more than spending time with her nine grandchildren along with the visits and pictures of her ten great grandchildren.  

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, John Payne Noel, Jr.; her loving husband of nine years, Thomas Jackson Lisenby; her parents, Sara Neville and Wesley Simes Shafto; her brother Wesley Simes Shafto, Jr.; and her grandson Quinton Matthew Noel.

Ann is survived by her children, John Payne Noel III and wife Susan, Robert Wesley Noel and wife Carrie, and Ann Noel Parish and husband John; her grandchildren, Christopher Bartlett Noel and wife Claire, Wesley Ryan Noel and wife Andrea, Andrew Thomas Noel, Sarah Noel Richardson and husband Mark, Valerie Noel Jordan and husband Ethan, Katherine Noel Sibley and husband Matthew, John Lannom Parish III and Allie Neville Parish; and her ten great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and love to Ann's loving and kind caregivers, especially Maria Granados who was her devoted friend for 30 years, Pat Lee, Destiny Babalola and Dorothy Alfred.

The family will gather for an interment service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Riverview Cemetery in Monroe, Louisiana, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, in the chapel at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, in Houston.  All are invited to join the family for a reception at the church immediately following the service. 

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family suggests donations be directed to The Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens or to St. Martin's Episcopal Church.