Eula Mae Rench

"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Ms. Eula Mae "Meme" (Thigpen) Rench, 93, of Lufkin, Texas, was born on November 23, 1917. The daughter of Dena (Thigpen) and Sam Thurman passed away in Dallas, Texas August 12, 2011, in the arms of her daughter, Cecelia Dophalene Collins.

Ms. Rench loved her family with all her heart and lived her life as so. Eula Mae was a cosmetologist/beautician in Lufkin for 50+ years. She had many loyal clients and loved the people she worked with. She had not a second thought when a client passed and was asked to "dress" their hair by their loved ones. She also enjoyed her Sunday School Ladies at Lufkin's First Baptist Church before moving to Dallas, where she was able to spend her final years close to her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Cecelia Dophalene Collins; her grandchildren, Courtnye Autumn Collins Lynch, Dr. Isaac Lynch, Shanna Dophalene Collins and Joshua Zachary Shane Collins; her great-grandchildren, Callie Mae Collins and Joshua Zachary Collins; nephews and nieces, Johnny Wayne Allen, David Keith and Darlene Allen, Jerry Gene Allen, Paula Ann and John David Bailey; as well as a number of cousins and other family members.

Eula Mae joins her heavenly family with dignity and grace, the same way she lived her life. Her heavenly family includes her son-in-law, John Robert Collins; her mother, Dena (Thigpen) Thurman; her "father" Sam Thurman; and her beloved siblings, Frances Allen and Woodroe Thigpen. Also rejoicing with Eula Mae Rench are her beloved aunts, Omah Dell Thigpen and Carrye Bell Thigpen Boszor; and many other loved ones. She is certainly received with the family celebration of joyous music and good East Texas country cookin'.

No words can fully explain the peaceful presence surrounding Meme during those last days of her life. Her final words of wisdom to each of us are: "Love your family, always take care of yourself, and always be kind to others." A beautiful life fully lived. We love you, Meme.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Andrew Pittman officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a later time in Gann Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home