Rebecca Jo Kenyon's Obituary
Rebecca "Becky" Jo Kenyon, 66, of Longview, Texas was born on July 23, 1957 to William "Bill" Kenyon, Sr. and Sylvia "Joann" Rumsey in Rochester, New York. The family relocated to a rural area near Binghamton. Becky grew up the second of five children among the tall, beautiful woods of Upstate New York and persevered through many challenges. She was an excellent student and marched as a rifle bearer in the Mello-Dears All Girl Drum and Bugle Corps. She graduated from Owego Free Academy Class of 1975.
She worked for IBM from 1979-1992, beginning in the warehouse and working up to computer operator and quality assurance. There, she met George Ahrens, Jr. and they married in 1984. Three beautiful children came from their union – Emily, Tyler, and Molly. Employment opportunities led the family to Austin, TX, where Becky chose to stay at home and raise her children, encouraging them to always follow their dreams. Though they later went in different ways, Becky and George remained friends, always supporting their children’s best interests. Becky was devoted to her family and took great pride and joy in her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren who fondly call her “BeBe.”
Becky enjoyed playing with style and fashion and seldom went out without some bauble or bling. Ever an innovator, her outgoing nature, friendliness, and charm became a natural fit for her business with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Her interest in women and their personal beauty allowed her to gain not only many loyal customers, but dear friends. She maintained Sales Director level for nine years and earned several cars along the way.
Becky embodied a deep passion for the unborn that was evidenced through her work which provided avenues of support for expecting women and couples and healing for those who experienced loss. She volunteered with the Texas Crisis Pregnancy Center of Austin where she shared her gifts as speaker, counselor, and a session as board chair.
Her strong belief in education and dream for higher education for herself were realized with her achievement of a BS Degree in Business/Marketing from University of Phoenix in 2013 and a MS Degree in Marketing from Walden University in 2018. For the last ten years, Becky used her skills as a Senior Provider Screening Manager with the Texas Care Pregnancy Network whose mission is to provide financial support and training to abortion alternative agencies.
Early in 2021, Becky felt a call to the tall, piney woods of Eastern Texas and moved to Longview. Although she initially knew no one, she quickly gained precious friends in her neighbors and the comfort and support of a home church family in Woodland Hills Baptist Church.
Becky came to know of God's saving grace early in her adult life. She unabashedly proclaimed her love of Jesus Christ and His calling on her life. Her witness was a testimony to those who met her whether they knew her for a short or long time. After a fierce battle with cancer, Becky entered God's glorious kingdom on December 5, 2023 and now rests in the arms of her Savior’s eternal loving embrace. To God be the glory!
This beloved daughter, sister, and mother is survived by her daughter Emily Yates (Clint) of Colleyville, Texas, son Tyler Ahrens (Sarah) of Fort Worth, daughter Molly Bornstad (Kenneth) nomads. “Bebe’s” memory and love will also continue with grandsons Luke and Sam Yates and Kellan Ahrens. Her mother Joann and siblings Bill Kenyon (Sheila), Trudy Kenyon Anderson (Russ), Eric Kenyon, and Mark Kenyon (Dona), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins will always cherish her time with them. We will miss her tremendously. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill.
A memorial service will be held at Woodland Hills Baptist Church on Monday, December 11 at 11:00 AM and will be livestreamed at https://whbchurch.com/live/
A private committal service will follow at the Rosewood Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Woodland Hills Baptist Church.
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