Brenda Lynn Turnbow

Brenda Lynn Arrington Turnbow was born on January 10, 1953 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene to the late Melvin and Larose Arrington, and she was baptized in Abilene in 1963 in the family’s home church. Years later, her youngest daughter and youngest grandson were born at the same hospital in Abilene.

Brenda met Rick, the love of her life, on the drag in Sweetwater while he was home from college and just before Brenda left for college. They were married on January 7, 1972 and celebrated their golden anniversary of 50 years in January 2022.

Rick and Brenda raised their two daughters in Colorado City where Brenda was a third and fifth grade public school teacher. She later taught fifth grade in Goose Creek Consolidated ISD after Rick’s job in the oil and gas industry took them to Baytown, Texas. Brenda had been raised in Abilene and after retirement, moved  back to the area with Rick in 2013.

Brenda loved well - she celebrated others as her grandchildren will testify - and she was known as an encourager in the schools where she taught, the churches where she worshiped, and the communities where she lived. She delighted in making people feel valued.

She is survived by her husband Rick Turnbow of Abilene, and two daughters, Lesli Kovic of Conroe (husband Jason and sons Easton and Grayson), and Staci Shannon of Abilene (husband Mark and children Tessa and Cort), her sister Cathy Oller of Conroe and niece Chelsi Wardlow of Waco (husband Jeremy), and brother Richard Arrington of Abilene (wife Lisa).

Brenda was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in May of this year and received phenomenal medical treatment and guidance from the outpatient ALS medical care team at Houston Methodist Hospital throughout the summer of 2023. The family would like to thank that team as well as Reliant at Home Hospice of the Woodlands, Enhabit Home Health of the Woodlands, and CenterWell Home Health of Abilene. In addition, the family would like to thank countless members of the Highland and Merkel churches of Christ and Restoration Church in Montgomery for spiritual guidance, prayer, meals, and cards during Brenda’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Team Gleason, the Live Like Lou Foundation, the HealthWell Foundation, or the ALS Association of Texas.