On Thursday morning, August 25th, my maternal grandmother, Tommie Doris Reid Dewbre, left this earth, just shy of her 100th birthday. Tommie was a force to be reckoned with and played a huge role in my life and upbringing. Opinionated, head-strong and TRUTHFUL to the core, you could never get anything past her. She called it as it was. I believe the Great Depression shaped this. She watched every PENNY and she always saw your lie, especially those you told yourself. She could read people to the core, often to her own detriment. Trust did not come easy for her, but at her center was profound love and kindness. She had a heart of gold and GODDAMN was she funny. Everyone that met her commented on her humor and wit, sharp as a tack. I like to think I get my edge from her. Tommie was born in Regency, Texas in 1922, to Robbie and Joe Reid. Her family soon moved to Brownwood, building roots with a farm and auto repair shop. She was the first person AND woman to go to college in the family. She graduated from Howard Payne College in 1945 and married my grandfather (Felton Dewbre) on May 16, 1945. From 1945 until 1946, they lived in San Diego as Felton served in the United States Navy during World War II. (The family still has all their love letters). Apart from that short stint in California, Tommie lived her whole life in Texas, most of it in Brownwood. She never wanted to live anywhere else. Texas was her homestead. After grandfather’s death, she and her sister (Ruby Shelton) opened up a little resale shop on the family farm. Named “Reid’s Reusables” it was the only game in town and ahead of its time. All the cowboys came here to get their boots and wranglers. I spent my summers here, working at the shop, folding clothes, setting up tables, learning the value of the dollar and how to haggle. When I was a kid and teenager, I hated going to Brownwood. Now, I cherish the memory and realize how lucky I was. (continued below in comments)