Lois Marie (Harper) Brimhall

Our beloved mother, Lois Marie Harper Brimhall, passed gently in her sleep on June 30, 2021 in Tyler, Texas. Following her birth on November 29, 1931 in Hanford, California, Mom was a life-long member of the Methodist church who fervently believed that she will rest for all time in the company of her husband of seventy years, Van Eldon Brimhall; her parents, Herman and Grace Harper; and her much-adored brother and co-conspirator in childhood antics, James Harper. Mom was always ready for fun and adventure, be it riding a donkey to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, engaging in rousing games of 42 with family and friends, taking a dip in the icy waters off Antarctica, traveling the world with her group of dear friends (aka “Four Broads Abroad”) and completing her lifelong dream of visiting all seven continents, or just relishing the simple pleasure of chatting around the evening fire at the lakehouse with her children and grandchildren. She was always a “fun grandma,” considering a week’s worth of daily swimming to be a suitable substitute for bathing, being convinced that ice cream makes a great breakfast and that s’mores should be eaten before hot dogs, believing that playing in dirt and puddles are essential to happiness, and allowing her first grandchild Ben to eat all the grapes he could hold, which didn’t have the best consequences. Through her service as the manager of the Olton Chamber of Commerce, the founding of the annual Sandhills Celebration, and being an integral part in the creation of Olton’s senior living facility, Mom taught her children the value of community service. She modeled the importance of a good education, returning to college in her 60s to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University. Each and every day, she taught us to show kindness to others and to maintain a good sense of humor through life’s inevitable ups and downs. Her generous spirit lives on in the grandchildren who survive her, Austen Marie Brimhall Shannon, Cody Michael Brimhall, Benjamin Wayne Brimhall, Paul Travis Brimhall, Merida Nicole Brimhall, and Makenzie Elizabeth Coker, as well as in her great-grandchildren Kailey Sue Braun, Landon James Braun, Benson Charles Brimhall, Micah June Brimhall, Lillian Marie Brimhall, Keagan Eric Shannon, and Scout Everly Shannon. Mom embraced others as honorary family members, too, including her daughter-in-law Paula Brunson Brimhall, her son-in-law Kim Kelly Coker, and her special friends Merilynn Wick and Dona Richardson. A formal memorial service is not planned at this time. To honor our mother’s memory, we ask that you consider taking a few moments each week or month to visit residents of a long-term or memory care facility, as your presence is sure to brighten someone’s day; to learn about the symptoms and progression of dementia to help you practice kindness and patience with those who may be experiencing that difficult path; and to always take a moment to give a child or a young adult a warm smile and a kind word of encouragement. Our deepest appreciation is extended to the loving staff at Meadow Lake Senior Living and Heart to Heart Hospice Care, both in Tyler. They have so kindly softened Mom’s last months through her challenging journey, and have provided much guidance and comfort to our family. With loving memories of our mother, James Michael Brimhall, William Charles Brimhall, Patricia Lynn Brimhall, and Elizabeth Ann Coker.

Lois Marie (Harper) Brimhall

November 29, 1931 - June 30, 2021