- Date Of Birth: March 5, 1931
- Date Of Death: July 26, 2018
- State: Texas
Atholene Simpson Brewster was born on March 5, 1931 in Clayton, Texas to Jim and Virtha Lilly Simpson. Growing up, she was always a “standout” in any activity when she was a participant. She was strong – willed and had high expectations for herself, her family, friends, and students. As a civic-minded individual, she did not mind a good fight if it made lives better in the end. Her distinct diction and excellent command of the English language (even from a very young age) resulted in her becoming an outstanding orator and an avid life long reader as well as word puzzle aficionado: crossword, Find-A-Word, and Circle-A-Word. She even used an ink pen to complete all of her puzzles. “Lene”, as her siblings called her, was a 1949 graduate of Turner High School (Valedictorian). She furthered her education at Texas College in Tyler, Texas receiving her Bachelor’s in Education with a concentration in English in 1953 (Cum Laude). Further matriculation included Texas Southern University, University of Redlands, and Bishop College. In 1974, she obtained her Masters in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas majoring in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading. She was an elementary and s secondary educator for over 30 years, teaching in schools from Kosciusko, Mississippi to Terrell and Carthage, Texas. She completed her educational tenure in 1993, retiring from Carthage Independent School District. Ms. Brewster was a longtime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for well over 60 years where she had served in various capacities including Announcement Clerk and Church Secretary. Her good fight mentality required she share her “thoughts” while being affiliated with: Kiwanis, National Education Association/TSTA, Carthage ISD Education Foundation, Turner Alumni/Ex-Students Association and the greatest sorority in the world, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. A Wonderful Life…. In 1955, she married Ernest William (E.W.) Brewster and three children were blessed to this union. Being a loving and caring mother, she was meticulous about her “babies” being well dressed, full and exposed to reading. She continued to enjoy reading and puzzling as well as being Machelle’s traveling companion to various cities. However, her ultimate joy was spending time with and spoiling her grandbaby—Austin. A Wonderful Legacy…. Waiting with anticipated joy to meet her at the pearly gates will be her beloved husband, E.W., her parents Jim and Virtha Simpson, her sister Alfredia Simpson, and three brothers—Alvin (Pete), Robert (Bill), and Phillip Simpson. Left to cherish her memories are her three babies: Christi Machelle, Kevan Miguel (Linda), Virtha Annelle all of Houston, bonus son Winston Anthony (Detroit, MI); four sisters Jo Birdia Dauphine (Moreno Valley, CA), Evernell Black (Palm Springs, CA), Precious Carter (Carson, CA), and Evelyn Jewel Simpson (Palm Springs, CA); the joy of her life—one grandson, Austin Miguel (Dallas), numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives, colleagues and friends.Repast:Turner Community Center1023 M.L.K. Blvd.
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