But those who hope in the Lord will Renew their strength. They will soar on Wings like Eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

In Loving Memory of Fayrene Tomlinson 5-30-1938 to 3-22-2022

Fayrene Tomlinson passed away Tuesday March 22 ^nd at Sabine County Hospital surrounded by family and a host of Doctors and Nurses whom through their love and care became part of our family as well. She was born in Centralia, Texas to OB and Mary Lee Watson, but her roots were planted in Alvin Texas where she grew up. Fayrene was an avid Tennis player who started out playing Ping Pong and earned the respect of many young boys who could not figure out how a girl could beat them at anything.  She saw the first Tennis Courts being built at Alvin High School, and when she inquired as to what a Tennis Court was, she was told "Fayrene, It's just a big old Ping Pong Table". Fayrene was a force to be dealt with on the court. She went to state in Tennis all four years at Alvin High school and was still Playing late into her 60's. Fayrene was a Senior in high school when she married the love of her Life, Joseph R. Tomlinson on December 22 ^nd , 1955. She was only given permission to marry under the condition that she finish High School which was a small price to pay for Love. She began raising her family with the birth of her Daughter Terry Vaughn in 1957 and later Randy Tomlinson in 1959.

Fayrene's priority was always her family. She was married to a man in the military so many times she was left to run the household on her own. Fayrene always referred to herself as a stay-at-home kind of woman and not a working woman. Terry and Randy disagree.  In truth, she held the most important job of all.  She was a Domestic Engineer serving as CEO of the Tomlinson Corporation with a major in Home Economics and a minor in Psychology and Family Counseling. Her Daddy told her before she was married that she could throw her husband's whole paycheck in the garbage if she did not manage her kitchen right and manage a kitchen she could. Fayrene could do magic with something as simple as a pot of soup and many times her family commented "Why can't I do that"? Fayrene was also an accomplished Artist and loved to read. Many of her paintings will serve in keeping her memory alive on the walls of her family.

In 1988 Fayrene left behind her beloved Alvin, and a host of lifelong friends, and moved to Hemphill and the piney woods of East Texas, never looking back. She thrived in her new environment and quickly met those whom she added to her list of Lifelong friends. She always referred to Hemphill Baptist Church as her "Church Home". She did not consider the building her home, but rather the people of the church. So much love has been shown through the years from this Church Family, and our entire Family has been blessed from that outpouring of Love.

Fayrene was preceded in death by her mother and father, OB and Mary Watson, her Brother Charles Watson, and her beloved husband of over 65 Years Ray Tomlinson whom she is once again united with, never to be separated again.

Fayrene is survived by her Sister Barbara Ann Laughlin and husband Jimmy, Daughter Terry Vaughn and Husband Cornell, Son Randy Tomlinson and Wife Kathy, Grandson Morgan Tomlinson and Wife Jessica, Granddaughter Shanda Warren, Grandson Brian McKinney and Wife Tina, Grandson Brad Hall, and Wife Kimberly, Grandson Ben Hall, and Wife Jennifer, Grandson Cornell Vaughn (Little Brother), Granddaughter Christy Staines, and Husband Louie, and 16 Great Grandkids. Although She has gone ahead, she is alive in our memories and hopefully some of yours as well.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Hemphill, Texas under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Troy Richardson officiating.

Burial will follow services in Gravel Hill Cemetery with Morgan Tomlinson, Brian McKiney, Brad Hall, Ben Hall, Cornell Vaughn and Seth Tomlinson serving as pallbearers and Carter Hall and Gavin Hoffman serving as honorary pallbearers.

Condolences and memories may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.