Dalphene Edwards Bruton

Born October 9, 1929, in Abilene, Texas, to Spinks Isaac Edwards and Nancy Bessie Myers Edwards, Dalphene’s early years were rooted in the love and closeness of family. During the Great Depression, her family spent a brief time in California where her father worked in the vineyards before returning to west Texas and eventually settling in Colorado City, where cherished family memories and lifelong friendships were formed.

It was in Colorado City that Dalphene met the love of her lifetime, John D. Bruton, Jr. At just 18 years old, they began a beautiful journey together and were married on June 26, 1948, in her parents’ home. Their marriage was one marked by unwavering devotion, faith, and partnership for 62 years.

Following John’s enlistment in the Army, the young couple lived in New Jersey and New Mexico before ultimately returning home to Texas, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and service to others.

Dalphene and John made serving the Lord the foundation of their lives. The Kingwood Church of Christ began in their home and became central to their ministry and service. Dalphene was a devoted student and gifted teacher of the Bible. Throughout her life, she taught children, teenagers, and ladies’ Bible classes, touching countless lives through her wisdom, kindness, and deep understanding of Scripture. She was honored to receive the Kingwood Church of Christ Teacher of the Year award and continued studying virtually with the Kingwood Ladies Bible Class until the time of her death.

Dalphene embodied the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was her husband’s faithful and trusted partner, a tireless servant to others, and a gracious hostess who delighted in opening her home to family, friends, and strangers alike. She built a loving home for her children, providing the environment where all felt safe, deeply loved, and cared for. She always wanted those around her to feel welcomed, comfortable, and well fed.

Nothing brought her greater joy than her family. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her face would light up whenever her great-grandchildren ran to her for hugs and kisses.

Dalphene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John D. Bruton, Jr.; her parents, S.I. and Bessie Edwards; her brother and sister-in-law, Spinks and Olga Edwards; and her brother-in-law, Jim Sansom.

She is survived by her sister, Faye Sansom; four children: Deborah (Max) Stephens, John (Debbie) Brusen, Karla (Bryan) Smith, and Kirk (Lynne) Bruton. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Tom (Ileana) Bruton, Rachel (Brandon) McNally, John (Stacy) Bruton, Lyndsi (Thor) Anderson, Krista (Chris) Brinser, Reagan (Emily) Smith, Clint Bruton, Dale Bruton, Michelle Brusen, Haley Brusen, Kelli Brusen, Casey Brusen, and Alys Bruton; along with six great-grandchildren and one more precious great-grandchild on the way, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many treasured friends.

In the days leading up to her passing, her children found great comfort and joy in visits from Dalphene’s many friends who shared stories of how she had influenced, encouraged, and enriched their lives. Her legacy of faith, hospitality, kindness, and steadfast love will continue for generations to come.

Dalphene’s family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Wesley Woods Rehab and Healthcare for their love, compassion, and friendship they showered on Dalphene. They gave Mom the opportunity to continue ministering to others by sharing her deep faith and love for Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Liberty Hill, Texas.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dalphene’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingwood Church of Christ in Kingwood, Texas. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by contacting a family member for additional information.

Isaiah 40:31

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.