Myra Brewer

Myra Barlow Brewer, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at the age of 103, three months shy of her birthday, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to family. Born on August 5, 1922, in Munson, Florida, Myra lived a vibrant and active life filled with cherished memories, deep family connections, and a love for the outdoors.

Raised throughout several lumber towns across the Florida Panhandle, Myra graduated from Holmes County High School in Bonifay, where her beauty, spirit and charm earned her the distinction of “Cutest” in her class.

In the late 1940’s, Myra began working for the L&N Railroad as a telegraph operator, where she built a long and dedicated career serving at stations throughout the Florida Panhandle. It was through the railroad where she met the love of her life, her beloved husband Walter Brewer. Myra’s strong work ethic and independent spirit defined much of her life, and she remained proud of her remarkable career with the railroad before retiring in August of 1982.

Following retirement, Myra and Walter embraced their adventurous nature and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada in their camper. Together, they created a lifetime of memories, most of which Myra detailed in her many notebooks describing their travels.

Some of Myra’s happiest moments were spent at Fort Pickens Campground on Pensacola Beach, where she and Walter spent many summers camping with their children, grandchildren and extended family. Those gatherings became treasured traditions filled with shared meals, laughter, and storytelling.

Myra loved being outdoors and lived an active lifestyle throughout her life. She embraced life with energy and enthusiasm well into her later years. Whether she was laying by the pool, enjoying the beach, bike riding, or taking long walks, she found joy and peace in nature, even into recent years, especially the Gulf Coast that Myra loved so deeply, a love she passed to her children and grandchildren. She also loved reading romance novels and could often be found with a book in hand.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myra Belle and Leeroy Barlow of Caryville, Florida; her brother, Bill Barlow; her sister, Lyndal Mason; her loving husband of 48 years, Walter Brewer; their daughter, Susan Lynn VanBrederode; son, Dale Brewer of Pensacola; nephews Scott and Skip Mason of Pensacola; niece Tara Mason; and many other loved ones waiting anxiously to greet her.

Myra is survived by her son, Patrick L. Brewer of Pensacola; daughter, Kimberly Brewer Hudson (Tim) of Pensacola; son-in-law, Lee VanBrederode (Jean) of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; grandson Jeremy Shiver (Bobbie) of Pensacola; granddaughter Sommer Shiver (Liz) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandsons Chris VanBrederode (Patti) and Todd VanBrederode, both of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; granddaughters Jennifer Brewer (Barbie) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Julie Brewer Hancy (Steven); great-grandchildren Foster and Annie Hancy, Mackenzie and Susan VanBrederode, and Finn Shiver; nieces Lisa Andrews and Cindy Madison, nephews Greg Barlow and Shawn Mason, and special friends Mavis Oliver and Dee Vincent.

More than anything, Myra treasured time spent with her family. Her warmth, adventurous spirit, and love for life created countless memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Thank you to Lauren, Renee, Michelle and the entire Gentiva family.

A graveside service will take place on Sunday, May 24th at 2 pm at Bayview Memorial Park located at 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, FL 32503.