Renee Oubre Huthnance
March 9, 1935 - September 4, 2016
Renee Oubre Huthnance, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016, surrounded by her husband and children as she left to be with her Lord and Savior.
Renee was born on March 9, 1935 in Houma, Louisiana to Athalie and Nelson Oubre. She graduated from Terrebonne High School where she was a campus beauty and string base First Chair in the orchestra. Renee graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana where she was a Sacristan for the Newman Club, an active member of Nu Sigma Kappa Sorority and a campus beauty. Renee followed in her family's footsteps with a degree in Education.
After graduation in 1956, Renee was teaching third grade at West Park Elementary School in Houma when she met her sweetheart and the lifelong love of her life, William Branan Huthnance, an engineer with Union Oil Company of California. On November 30, 1957, they were married in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Houma, which began their beautiful journey of 58 wonderful, love-filled years. One month later, they moved to Houston when Bill was transferred with Union Oil. Renee resumed her career teaching second grade in the Houston ISD and later at St. Vincent de Paul.
Following her teaching career, Renee dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted and selfless mother who taught her children to give of themselves. She was a constant supporter of her children's schools: Rummel Creek Elementary, Spring Forest Junior High, Memorial Middle School, Westchester High School and Stratford High School. She never missed a football game where her children performed, be it Wranglerettes, Quarterback, or Cheerleader. Later, Renee lavished her love on her grandchildren and new great- granddaughter. Her family meant everything to her as demonstrated by the special time she spent with each one. Whether her grandchildren called her Granama, Memi or Grana, they adored her and will miss her every day.
Bill and Renee traveled the world from Aberdeen to Zurich, where she made lifelong friends. She effortlessly made people feel important and although it may not be remembered what was said, it was always remembered how special she made one feel. Her infectious laugh and beautiful smile attracted those to her. Renee was the quintessential Southern Belle who loved wearing pearls and gingham. Bill always said she was the prettiest girl in the room.
Renee and her family were members of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and later of St. John Vianney Catholic Church from its inception in 1967. For 23 years Renee tirelessly worked at the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, where she was known as “The Queen”. As a member of Lakeside Country Club since 1976, Renee made many cherished friendships over the years.
Renee is survived by her husband Bill Huthnance, daughter Nancy H. Foytlin and husband Al of Spring TX; son W. Branan Huthnance, Jr of Houston; Ann H. Dedmon and husband Dean of Dyersburg,TN. Grandchildren include Emily Martin and her husband David of Dallas; Lucy Grace Grierson of Washington DC; Anna Huthnance and Sydney Huthnance of Houston; Will H. Dedmon and Caroline Dedmon of Dyersburg, TN and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Martin. Brother-in-law Robert T. Huthnance and his wife Ann of Austin, TX.
The family would like to recognize Renee's Primary Care Physician, Dr. George Keith and MD Anderson Cancer Center for their superior care given to Renee in her final days.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5:00 - 7:00 pm followed by a Vigil from 7:00 - 7:30 pm on Monday, September 12th in the chapel at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home located at 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079. A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at 10:00 am, on September 13th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston 77024. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Dean Dedmon, Will Dedmon, Al Foytlin, Will Huthnance, Tom Fish and Kevin Meyer. Honorary pallbearer is Rob Huthnance.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in honor of Renee Huthnance be made to the Charity Guild of Catholic Women at 1203 Lovett Blvd, Houston, TX 77006.