Rena Simpkins

Rena Brunette Brawner Simpkins, 79, of Bryan passed away Thursday January 4, 2018. Her family will receive friends during a visitation from 6 until 8 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S College Ave, in Bryan. Funeral services are set for 10:30 am Thursday January 11, at First Baptist Church in Bryan. Interment will be at the Bryan City Cemetery.

Born August 15, 1938, in Montague County, Texas, to John G. and Mary Fay Brawner, Rena grew up in the community of Caps Corner outside of Saint Jo. She enjoyed playing with her siblings. Her chores around the farm were milking the cows and gathering the hen eggs. Some of her favorite interests included cooking, canning, 4-H, fishing and gardening.

In her teen years Rena worked in the cotton fields and cooked for parents and siblings. She attended a one room schoolhouse and worked as a telephone operator, and she worked in the family grocery store. She also enjoyed raccoon hunting with her father. Rena graduated from Saint Jo high school, then attended Jacksonville Baptist Jr. College, and eventually earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She received her Master’s Degree in Education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas.

Rena married the love of her life, Wayne Arlen Simpkins 57 years ago, after meeting each other at a friend’s house for dinner. A couple days after the dinner, Wayne saw Rena getting in her car, so he stopped her and asked her for a date that January night. They got married in Rena’s hometown of Saint Jo, Texas at the First Baptist Church in July 1960.

Rena was a member of First Baptist Church in Bryan, the Texas Baptist Men and Wives Retiree Church Builders, Circle of Friends at First Baptist, and Women’s Missionary Union. Reading her Bible daily was very important to Rena, as she always prayed for others including her church family. Wayne and Rena helped build more than 175 churches across Texas and a few out of state. She was the ladies’ coordinator for the Church Builders for three years.

Before retirement, she taught at the Beeville Independent School District for 32 years. She also loved to travel and went somewhere for a month at a time every summer. She traveled to Iceland and Germany, and later to China, her favorite trip, to get her new baby granddaughter, Katie.

Survivors include her loving husband, Wayne Arlen Simpkins; daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Carl Benner, Karen and David Adams; brother, Marion “Cotton” Brawner; grandchildren, Christopher and Caleb Benner, Katie Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Brawner, her sister, Mary Nell Maloon, and her parents.

For those who desire, in lieu of flowers please consider contributions to Hospice Brazos Valley or the Texas Baptist Men and Wives Retiree Church Builders.

 

 

Condolences

  1. I’m so sorry to hear of Rena’s passing. I have many fond memories of her from your house and camper on the adventures you let me be a part of with your family! May you feel God’s presence in a powerful way during these days.

  2. Dear Simpkins, we are saddened to hear about Rena. She was a kind,loving friend who so graciously shared her hospitality with us when we visited Beeville. I pray God’s grace and peace surround each of you during this difficult time. Much love, Mary Temple and Gene

  3. Rena was a beautiful Christian lady sweet, loving and caring. She visited my wife Karen O’Bryant Lai many times during her illness while in the hospital, skilled nursing rehab, and at her home in 2015. Rena followed the teaching of Jesus Christ to minister to the needs of others. A wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother to her family by being Christ centered. Her life touch the lives of many who met and knew her. She became like one of family to them as she was to my family. Rena will Always be remembered as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. To her family how bless you all are in having Rena’s life in your hearts. Together we will all not forget her.

  4. Condolences to the Simpkins family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.

  5. Dear Wayne and Girls, Rena was a true friend who loved Jesus and lived her life well for Him by sharing herself and her home. Y’all enjoyed sharing your beautiful hospitality and we always enjoyed the games Rena liked to play at gatherings at your home. A sweet and precious friend…

  6. Sincere condolences to Wayne and the family. I remember the Simpkins family well, having attended A.C.Jones High School in Beeville. A great family. Rena will be remembered as a very caring and helpful teacher and will be missed by all who knew her. David Marshall, class of 1962 A.C.Jones High School

  7. prays go out to the family she was a beautiful person inside and out always ready to do gods work to help anyone.

  8. Dear Wayne, Cynthia, and all the family.
    I am so sorry to hear of Rena’s passing. As a cousin, I have many fond memories of Rena as we visited the Hodges families in St. Jo, Capps Corner, and Illinois Bend when I was growing up. (My mother, Evelyn Hodges Read, was the youngest of the Hodges girls.) We used to attend the graveyard working at Illinois Bend every summer. Rena was a wonderful person. I regret that I did not get to see her very often after we grew up. I am impressed with her accomplishments as related in her obituary.
    I regret that I will not be able to attend the visitation or the funeral. Our prayers are with you.

  9. Praying for your family and friends. She will be missed here but heaven has gained another devoted saint to forever worship Jesus. Much love, Lorice & Robert Pinney.

  10. So sorry to hear of Rena’s passing but am comforted to know we will all see each other again one day!! I have fond memories of the Simpkins, Simmons, Brown, and Chatham families at First Baptist Church Beeville so many years ago!
    Prayers for all of you as you grieve her absence.
    Love in Christ,
    Diann Chatham Ferguson

  11. Wayne & family,

    We just now found out about Rena’s passing. What a wonderful lady! I know she is greatly missed, but what a wonderful day that will be when we all meet again in Heaven.

    Your family has forever touched our lives!

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