Kylie Havard

KYLIE ANNE HAVARD July 18, 2008 - October 23, 2025 With hearts filled with sorrow, we celebrate the beautiful life of Kylie Anne Havard, who entered the presence of her Savior at the age of 17 on October 23, 2025. Though her time here was far too short, her impact was immeasurable. Kylie was beautiful inside and out, a rare and radiant soul whose wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength set her apart. She possessed a sharp wit and a mind that was endlessly curious. Once you earned Kylie’s trust, she freely shared her warmth and humor, and you couldn’t help but love her. Her smile—so precious and full of light—could brighten any room. She was a natural leader, becoming president of her 4-H Club at just ten years old, and she continued to lead by example in every area of her life. She attended The Texas Academy at Lamar University where she was an active member of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, RED Robotics, and STEM Club. She approached every challenge with determination and grace, blending intellect with a creative spark that made learning an adventure. However, more than anything, Kylie’s heart belonged to God. Her greatest joy was studying His Word and growing in her faith. Her well-worn Bible, full of notes and reflections, tells the story of a young woman who sought the heart of Jesus with all she had. She lived her faith boldly. Kylie spent several spring breaks on mission trips in Arlington and her last summer working joyfully at East Texas Baptist Encampment. At ETBE, she thrived, pouring into others, forming deep friendships, and living out her calling of service and love. Kylie’s talents seemed endless. She loved music and played several instruments, including the trumpet, harmonica, saxophone, and ukulele. Kylie also loved learning new languages like German and Latin “just for fun.” She was a successful bow hunter, archery medalist, horseback rider, and a jiu-jitsu trainee with plans to tackle fencing in the future. Kylie never settled for ordinary. She wanted to try things most would never attempt. Not many people knew she had mastered the unicycle, tightrope walking, juggling, and even performing nunchuck tricks blindfolded—a skill that came with its share of bruises and laughter. She liked to keep the element of surprise and had quite a few party tricks up her sleeve. Kylie also had a love for coffee shops and reading and could often be found at Barnes & Noble where she would get lost in books and ideas. Spending time with her friends topped the list of Kylie’s favorite things to do. She was blessed with a crew that could make her laugh like no one else. Only those closest to her knew she had a “mischievous side,” and those stories will live on with them. She enjoyed ending each day with her sunset drives, listening to music, reflecting, and dreaming. Above all, Kylie loved deeply and made people feel seen and valued. She embodied kindness and reflected God’s love in everything she did. Though our hearts ache tremendously with her absence, we rejoice knowing that Kylie is home. She is face to face with the Savior she adored, the One she spent her life pursuing. We picture her now, radiant with joy, no doubt asking all the deep and beautifully profound questions her heart held here on earth. Kylie’s legacy will forever remind us to live boldly, love deeply, and shine brightly for Him. Survivors include her mother, Katie Havard and Ty Gibson, of Lumberton; father, Mark Havard and his wife, Teisha, of Beaumont; siblings, Austin Havard and his wife, Meghan, of Houston; Joeb Fernandez and his wife, Emberlee, of Beaumont; Layla and Selyse Fernandez of Beaumont; and Madison Gibson, of Silsbee; grandparents, Marsha and Steve Havard, of Lumberton; Al DeVore, of Kountze; Janette and Randy Edwards, of Lumberton; Jeannie Wetzel, of Ivanhoe; and John Wetzel, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; great-grandparent, Lois “LoLo” Wetzel, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A gathering of Kylie’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Crestwood Baptist Church, 1150 US Highway 69, Kountze, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery, Silsbee. Her interment will follow at Old Hardin Cemetery, Kountze.