Lois “Jarene” Thomas Price passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. She was born October 14, 1936, to Nell Marie Waren Thomas and Francis Gilford Thomas in Brown County, Texas. She was baptized in the Austin Avenue Church of Christ in Brownwood by her grandmother, Lois Armstrong Thomas and her aunt, Minnie Armstrong. Jarene married her high school sweetheart, Gary Ray Price, on June 28, 1958, in the Calvary Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas while they were both students at Howard Payne College.
Jarene graduated from Early High School in 1955 where she ran track, played volleyball and basketball and was a majorette. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Howard Payne College in 1960 and taught elementary school in Early, Texas after her graduation. When Jarene and Gary moved to Waco, Texas for Gary to attend Baylor Law School, Jarene continued to teach at Hill Elementary and the Methodist Home to support their young family. After Gary’s graduation in 1965, the couple and their first son, Kent, moved to Brownwood where Gary began a lengthy and successful law practice. Their second son, Waren, was born a few years later.
As the boys grew up, Jarene dedicated herself to raising Kent and Waren including attending countless sporting, school and church related practices and events, planning family travels, and maintaining a loving home. She also supported Gary through his campaigns and service for both County Attorney for Brown County in 1969 and two terms of District Attorney for the 35th Judicial District of Texas beginning in 1972, as well.
In addition to her family, Jarene cherished the many close friendships she developed over her lifetime in Brownwood. Through attending church with her family at the First Baptist Church, volunteering through various service organizations, participating in many community organizations, and volunteering many years at Brownwood Regional Hospital, she made a difference in her community. She continued to maintain those friendships with people dear to her through her bridge clubs and birthday clubs.
After Gary’s passing in 2015, Jarene remained in Brownwood where she kept in close contact with her circle of friends. She also continued to enjoy love and affection from her four grandchildren. In 2019 she moved to Lubbock and resided at Raider Ranch where she enjoyed wonderful care. The family expresses gratitude to Raider Ranch and to Interim Hospice for exceptional care during her last weeks.
She is survived by son Kent Montgomery Price, his wife Melissa, and their children Thomas Luke Price and Loree Marie Price; son Waren Corbeth Price, his wife Eren, and their children Jackson Parker Price and Wyatt Griffin Price; brother-in-law Dale Price and wife Carol; sister-in-law Kay Millard and husband Dr. Mark Millard; niece Rowdy Jenkins Brown; and many friends.
Jarene was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, her parents, sister Nancy Nell Thomas, niece Jarene Marie Cook, and many relatives and friends.
Family will receive friends at Heartland Funeral Home from 12:00 P.M. until 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 23 followed by a graveside service beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in the name of the Gary and Jarene Price Scholarship at Howard Payne University. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 2369, Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX 76804. Gifts may also be given online at www.hputx.edu/give.
Jarene’s words, “My children WERE and STILL ARE the joy of my life,” embody Jarene’s love for her boys, Kent and Waren.
