Lisa D. Fant was born on May 27, 1962, in The Bronx, New York, the youngest daughter of Winne L. Fant and the late Thomas L. Fant. She was raised in Queens and Great Neck, New York, where she developed the quiet strength, compassion, and deep sense of service that would define her life.

Lisa’s lifelong commitment to serving others began in her teenage years when she volunteered as a Candy Striper at the local hospital in Great Neck, offering care and comfort to patients and families. This early experience ignited a passion for service that guided her educational, professional, and spiritual journey for decades.

Lisa attended the University of Tampa and later St. John’s University, preparing herself for a life centered on community engagement and leadership. It was during her youth and young adult years that Lisa began developing her personal relationship with Jesus Christ after joining Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was an active and faithful member until her move to North Carolina. Her faith became a steady foundation, shaping her values, leadership, and commitment to serving others with humility and love.

From the late 1990s through the early 2000s, Lisa served as Program Director for The Beacon Program with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, where she worked tirelessly to support young people and families. Through this work, she touched hundreds—if not thousands—of lives, creating safe spaces, meaningful opportunities, and pathways to success for youth across New York City.

In 2008, Lisa and her young son, Ruben, embarked on a new journey, relocating from Queens, New York, to Raleigh, North Carolina, where they established a new home and a strong community of friends. With this transition, Lisa’s service to others took on new dimensions as she began a career with Best Buy, where her leadership, integrity, and commitment to people flourished. She served as an Associate, Geek Squad Team Lead, Customer Service Manager, and most recently as a member of the Resolution Team for Global Headquarters.

Through her work at Best Buy, Lisa intentionally connected the company to the surrounding community, helping to establish meaningful partnerships with Aspiring Eagles Academy, North Carolina Central University, and the Miracle League of Raleigh, ensuring that corporate engagement translated into real community impact.

Lisa’s dedication to improving the communities in which she lived extended beyond her professional and faith-based service. She was an active member of the Addison Reserve Homeowners Association Board, where she served in multiple capacities, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Member-at-Large, working diligently to foster collaboration, stewardship, and community connection.

She was also deeply committed to uplifting and empowering women through her service on the Board of Unique Sisters On The Rise, offering mentorship, encouragement, and advocacy.

A woman of faith, Lisa later became a founding member of The Restoration Place NC, where she served faithfully as Chairwoman of the Trustee Ministry and provided leadership for outreach initiatives such as Caring House and the Red Bag Initiative, always ensuring that service extended beyond the church walls.

Above all, Lisa’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her beloved son, Ruben, and a proud grandmother to her cherished granddaughter, Kendall, whose life brought her immeasurable happiness.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Thomas L. Fant, and her brother, Mark E. Fant. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Winne L. Fant; her sister, Verenice Fant - Sicuro (Salvatore); her nephew, Mattia Sicuro; her special cousin, Dr. David S. Hood (Eric); her son, Ruben Fant-Allen; her granddaughter, Kendall Fant-Allen; and a host of extended family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and church family whose lives were enriched by her faith, leadership, and love.

Lisa D. Fant lived a life defined by compassion, faith, and unwavering service to others. From hospital halls to city programs, from corporate leadership to neighborhood boards and women’s advocacy, her legacy is found in the countless lives she uplifted and the communities she strengthened. Though she has transitioned from this life, her impact endures—deeply felt and forever cherished.

Services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at The Restoration Place NC, 533 Memorial St., Durham, NC  27701. She will lie in state from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM with funeral services at 11:00 AM. Burial will be Alabama.