Brenda Jane Stephenson Ayres, 76, of Commerce, Texas died peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, surrounded by her children.  She was born on July 19, 1940, in Lubbock, Texas, the daughter of John Derrell Stephenson and Sarah Jane Littrell. 

Growing up in Lubbock, Brenda was a member of the first graduating class of Monterrey High School.  While there, she was an accomplished pianist, vocalist and stage performer.  She was a member of a trio called the “Mellowettes” who were in demand around Lubbock and the surrounding area for parties and events.  She really enjoyed stage productions.   She starred as Ado Annie in a production of Oklahoma in which she apparently stole the show!  During her senior year, she had a blind date with a tall, terribly shy guy from Texas Tech University.  Love ensued and he said, “I’m going to be a pilot, will you marry me?”   She said “yes” and married Jim Ayres in January, 1959.  They produced three children, Steve, Jimmy and Allison.  He was tragically killed in Viet Nam in 1971 at the young age of 33.     

Brenda was an accomplished legal secretary for many years.  She worked for several defense attorneys during her career.  It was always entertaining to watch her tiny hands dance over the keyboard of an IBM typewriter at over 100 words a minute.  She enjoyed working as a Nursing Home Activities Director for many years.  Eventually, she obtained her license and became an Administrator.  She always admitted that she never enjoyed administration as much as being activities director.  She missed loving on her residents and making sure they were busy with interesting activities. 

Brenda never met a stranger.  She quickly made friends wherever she went.  She was fortunate to be able to experience her dream of living in her RV, traveling all over the state of Texas.  She especially enjoyed being a member of Campers for Christ.  She was always anticipating their next big rally.   She lived this dream for ten years until her health began failing and she was forced to “settle down”, not that she did so willingly!  She has friends all over the country as a result of these years.  A simple trip to Wal Mart took forever because Brenda had to stop and kiss every baby and say hello to every individual!  Now, of course, this is an endearing memory.  A trip to Wal Mart will never be the same.

She looked for opportunities to tell other people about Jesus.  One of the highlights of her life was a mission trip to Mexico with Paula and Dennis Key.  She talked about the love of the Mexican people frequently.   At a restaurant, she would ask the server if they had time to stay and say grace with us.  We kids would get irritated sometimes, but it was always a blessing to see how the server appreciated being asked to participate in prayer.  We could stand to be more like her.  As more than one person has said, “There will never be another Brenda Ayres!”

Brenda is survived by her children, Steve Ayres of Amarillo, Tx., Jim Ayres (Teena) of Commerce, Tx. and Allison Johnson (Tom) of Carrollton, Tx; grandchildren James Ayres, Kirby Ayres, Nathan Ayres, Davin Martinez (Julie), Stephanie Rodriguez (Michael) and Tommy Johnson; great grandchildren Nathan Rodriguez, Madison Johnson, Peyton Johnson, Alex Martinez, Kelsey Leniger, Sydney Leniger, and Braz Martinez.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Ayres, her father, Derrell Stephenson, her mother, Sarah Jane Perkins, her step-father Earl Perkins, her brother, Alvin Rucker and her very special in-laws, John and Lacy Ayres.

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