Elisabeth Luevanos

In Loving Memory of Dr. Elisabeth Avila Luévanos

It is with profound love and sorrow that I share the passing of Dr. Elisabeth Avila Luévanos, a woman of extraordinary ambition, love, and vision. Elisabeth passed away on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of achievement, service, and enduring friendship.

A Life of Purpose

Elisabeth, or Lisa, as she was known to some, dedicated her life to learning, leading, and lifting others. She served as superintendent of Milano Independent School District, where she championed educational excellence and equity for all students, especially those in rural communities. Her visionary leadership earned recognition for academic growth and innovative partnerships.

In addition to her role as superintendent, she served as an adjunct professor, mentoring aspiring educators and leaders. Her passion for learning was matched only by her energy, whether as a group fitness instructor or inspiring the next cohort of mock trial students, motivating others to strengthen both body and mind. Those who knew her remember her vibrant energetic encouragement, her joyful laugh, and her unwavering belief that every person has potential worth nurturing.

A Life of Relationships and Love

Elisabeth is survived by her loving and caring husband, Dr. J. Anthony Luévanos, in whom she had a lifelong companion in faith and commitment whose love, prayers, support, and presence in the highs and lows remained a meaningful and important role throughout their shared life. In the best of life and even in the toughest of times, they always found a way to laugh together.

She also leaves behind her father, Mauro Avila; her sisters, Patricia Avila Peña (Dr. Aaron J. Peña) and Maria Nelly Menchaca (Jason N. Menchaca); her brother, Edgar M. Avila; and her cherished nieces and nephews, who knew her affectionately as “Tía Lisa.” She will be remembered by many friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched with kindness, humor, and energy.

She was preceded in death by her dear mother, Maria Nelly Avila, and her beloved grandmother Eloisa Losoya Tomelloso.

Her Legacy

Dr. Luévanos believed that education was the great equalizer and that leadership was service in action and missional fulfilling the intention and call from Christ Jesus. Her devotion to Jesus was always anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. Her missional work in public education and her mentorship of future leaders continue to ripple outward in the lives of those she inspired. Whether in the superintendent’s office, the classroom, or a fitness studio, she led with heart, energy, and hope.

A Service to Honor Life

A service to honor and celebrate Elisabeth’s life will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home located at 6101 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710.

Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to share stories and remember her remarkable life.

A Final Word

Elisabeth’s life was a testament to grace, resilience, and service. She poured herself into others. Her spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every classroom she strengthened, and every life she helped believe in itself again.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Elisabeth in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com