Lou Brinegar

Lou Brinegar, 80, of Waco, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Service: Due to the current global pandemic, there will be a funeral service for family 10AM Friday, July 24 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery; however, friends are welcome to watch the service via Live Stream by clicking HERE. A celebration of life will occur at a future date.

Vinnia Lou (Eagle) Brinegar was born in Blanca, CO August 4, 1939 where she spent most of her younger years. While she forever honored her Coloradan roots, she chose to follow the love of her life, George Lee Brinegar, to Texas after a whirlwind courtship to begin a marriage that would last 61 years.

Lou had an intense passion for learning and after earning a Master of Arts from Baylor University, she dedicated her life to spreading knowledge. She spent many years as an educator for Waco ISD, ultimately retiring as the Vice Principal at Providence Heights Elementary. She even authored several successful children’s books which included multiple adventures of “Granny” and “Brillo the Armydillo”, an homage to her love of the Military, sports, and her family. These were only a few of the many deeply interesting facets of the diamond that Lou was.

Lou and George Brinegar made their life together in Waco, TX raising two children and making their ranch home a welcome place for friends and family. While Lou had Colorado in her veins, she was immediately adopted as a full-fledged Texan for her quick wit and unyielding love; she never met a stranger.  Lou was well known for her smile, and her kind, loving, and self-less heart which impacted many lives beyond the reach of her family. She set an incredible example for four generations of her family, showing the power of compassion, forgiveness, and determination. She had a knack for making each person she met feel special and like they were the only one in the world she wanted to speak to at that time. When Lou spoke, her words were always encouraging and hopeful. She refused to see the negative in life and would instead point out the blessings and lessons that could be gleaned from any situation. Whether it was sneaking shoes from her children’s closets to give to her students at Providence Heights Elementary School or making each grandchild feel as though they were the favorite; the compassion and love she showed to all was unmatched.

Lou’s faith and devotion to her Lord and Savior flowed into all aspects of her life. There is no doubt she’s home with Him now.  Just as she began her life; she is now soaring like an Eagle watching over us.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Mae Sartain and Omer Herbert Eagle; sisters, Thurmma Brown and Eurmma Lee Hart.

She is survived by her husband, George Lee Brinegar; sisters, Durmma Seiber and Sabrie Brown, daughter, Terri (Jon Searles); son, George A. (Christine Laffitte); grandchildren, Jeremy, Tifani (Brian McGovern), Jared, Ashley (Trevor Miller), and Jaclyn (Michael Norris); and great grandson, Logan.  She was also a beloved aunt and cousin to her Colorado family.

The family would like to thank Baylor Scott & White doctors and nurses and specifically the hospital’s trauma and palliative care teams.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children by calling 713-793-3931 or https://lovetotherescue.org/.

CLICK HERE to view Lake Shore’s current Covid Policy and Status before visiting our facility.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708



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Condolence Messages

  1. Lou, George and Grandma Brinegar were the best neighbors growing up. Lou was always so kind and she always was smiling. She will be greatly missed. My prayers of comfort are with your family.

  2. Jenny Woodall

    There are no words that would describe Lou. She was an amazing, caring lady that always gave me a hug and a smile. She loved life and our Lord and it showed through her way of living. What a pleasure it was to have known her. Thoughts and prayers for all of her family.

  3. Sammy and Patti McMahan

    It was a privilege to call Lou our friend. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, George. May God bless.

  4. Velvett Dodd Dollins

    She was my favorite memory of a teacher I ever had ! Her name was brought up often when talking about my childhood memories. All the years later I look up and see her and George at my dads ( johnie bubba Dodd) funeral . She was the best and kindest . So sorry for your loss .

  5. Robert Laffitte

    Unlike so many I see here and on FB, I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Lou when I was growing up. It is obvious she was a shining light for so many. I was however fortunate to have met Lou when my sister married into this wonderful family. Lou not only accepted Christine as a daughter, she welcomed the rest of our family as well. Whenever I saw her, she always had that big welcoming smile. For me, the sorrow of her too early departure from this earth can only be lessened by the knowledge that God has taken her home. Heaven must be a happier place. Blessings and prayers to the family.

  6. Lynnette Barbera

    Lou was a wonderful sweet lady and I am blessed that I was able to know her. She was a friend who also gave me emotional support back in the 1990-1992, and I will never forget what she did for me. George – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  7. Dori and Jim Bennighof

    Lou and George sat directly behind Jim and me at the Lady Bear basketball games for several years. You could not find a sweeter couple. Sometimes Lou would come with one of her children or grandchildren, and always proudly introduce them to us. She would often grab my hand in excitement when our women were doing well, which was often! George and family, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We will truly miss her!

  8. Lou’s son, George, was a dear friend from High School where we traveled all over the State of Texas competing in UIL Speech/Drama and Debate Tournaments. I only met Lou one time and I can’t remember the exact time nor place but I do remember her smile and warm spirit. You rarely saw George without a smile so that must be where he got it from. My prayers are with you, George, and your entire family as you grieve the passing of your sweet Mother. Certainly, Lou is having a glorious time right now. The tears shed today are because of how much she will be missed. Take heart and have confidence in the day that is coming soon when you will see her again in a land where there is no sorrow but only joy! May you feel God’s peace and comfort as He holds you all especially close both now, and in the days ahead.

  9. Don and Billie Ward

    So very sorry to read of Lou’s passing in the paper today. George and Lou sat next to us at the Lady Bear basketball games for several years. We all laughed and enjoyed the excitement and thrill of the games together. We will miss Lou’s sweet smile and gentle voice when she or George told us a story now and then. She was always so proud of her family members that attended games with her. George and family, cherish your memories of one sweet precious lady.

  10. George my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family . May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss. I offer you my thoughts , prayers and well- wishes during this dark time in your life.

  11. I am so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with George and his family.

  12. Mary Wittenburg

    It breaks my heart to hear about Lou. I have so many fond memories of her. One being working with her while involved with the 348th Army Reserve Family Support Group when George and Charlie were deployed to Desert Storm. That was some challenging times and I sure could not have made it through without her….one special lady. She was a real trooper. I learned so much from Lou. George and family: May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace. Thinking of you and sending lots of prayers.

  13. George and family,
    So sorry for your loss. Lou was a beautiful lady. I met y’all through Peggy and Bill Hauk and always enjoyed being part of the group.

    Hope Dominguez-Reese

  14. My most sincere condolences to George amd family.
    Lou was a sweetheart. My prayers will be with you .
    I know she will truly be missed

  15. Denise Musser Nors

    George, Terri, George and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I watched the service online. It was very beautiful. Mom, Dad and Karen all send their love, thoughts and prayers. We are all thinking of you during this time.

    I’m giving you hugs from a distance. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

  16. Regina Hawkins

    George and Family,

    Bob and I are sorry for your loss of your wife and mother. Lou was a special person and her kindness will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Bob and Regina Hawkins

  17. Mrs. Jimmy Headley

    Let’s not forget our “good-ole-days”.

  18. Catherine Pugh

    Lou was a beautiful soul! I will miss her smile and laugh! I am so sorry for your loss and pray that the Lord will give your family peace.

  19. I first met Lou when I was the parent of a 3rd grader(Seth Allen) at Provident Heights Elementary School and Lou was the Vice Principal. I was called by the school to let me know that my child was in a spot of trouble. I left work and dashed up there. Lou was wonderful – kind, compassionate, calming, and non- judgemental. It turned out he was not the main culprit. We laughed over a lesson of “guilty by association”., which I impressed on my son and he never forgot. Many years later I saw Lou again with her husband at a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery. I was representing Blue Star Mothers. I reminded her about the episode at school and we laughed again. She was a remarkable lady and will be greatly missed.
    Lynn Allen

  20. I was a student teacher in Mrs. Brinegar’s 3rd grade class at Meadowbrook Elementary in 1973. She was kind and patient with this immature college girl. I learned so much from her on how to be a teacher who always put the students’ needs first.
    My condolences to her family.

  21. So sorry to read of Mrs Brinegars passing. I have fond memories of her from Meadowbrook. God Bless you all

  22. Katherine Aufman

    Mrs. Brinegar was the sweetest person. She was the assistant principal at Provident Heights when my son was a student there and I was a sub there. She remembered my and my son many years after that and always asked about him when I saw her at car shows with her husband. She really loved her students.

  23. wayne sartain

    Sorry to hear about Cousin Lou. May you all find peace and comfort that only God can give,

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