Rev. Elizabeth Autry Wyatt
4/6/2021
Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Wyatt passed away on April 6, 2021. Liz was born in Paris, Arkansas on January 1, 1937. She was a teacher, a pastor, an activist for social justice, a beloved grandmother, a good friend, and an adventurous spirit.
Liz grew up in Arkansas and Texas before attending Cottey College in Missouri, where she met her husband, Edward Wyatt. Liz graduated from the University of Missouri's College of Education and received an MAT from Webster University. She taught elementary school in Excelsior Springs, MO until 1992. Following her husband’s death, she moved to Baton Rouge to teach at St. Luke's Episcopal School.
Liz served many years as a full time local pastor and completed Course of Studies from St. Paul's School of Theology. She became an Associate Member of the Louisiana Annual Conference in 2002. Liz served as Associate Pastor at St. John's United Methodist Church until her retirement in 2007. In 2008, she served as interim pastor for the Warsaw International Church in Warsaw, Poland.
Liz was active in volunteer work and social causes throughout her life and her ministry. She was a founding member of the Excelsior Springs Community Theatre. Following her retirement from the United Methodist Church, she earned her certification as a Spiritual Director in Louisiana and was a leader in Spiritual Formation at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge. She served as a volunteer for Walk to Emmaus, the Kairos Prison Ministry, Together Baton Rouge, Together Louisiana, and Methodists for Social Justice. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, an organization supporting women's achievement.
An adventurous spirit, Liz travelled abroad independently almost every year until COVID-19 disrupted her plans. In 2010, at age 73, she travelled on a two-week mission trip to India.
Liz adored her grandchildren, and despite health problems, made a tremendous effort to travel to Poland to spend time with them as often as possible. She charmed everyone she met with her sense of humor and her kindness.
Liz is survived by her son, James Wyatt, her daughter-in-law Agnieszka Brzoza-Wyatt, their children, Theodore and Helena, by her sister, Molly McGraw and by her niece, Cora Fuller.
Liz also leaves behind a "posse" of loyal friends who loved her and whom she loved in return.
