Cecilia Brinkley Obituary

Cecilia Gail Brinkley, a beacon of faith and laughter, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, in Rowlett, Texas. Born on January 13, 1945, in Madisonville, Kentucky, Cecilia's life journey was marked by her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and the pride she carried towards her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Cecilia was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel Brinkley and Geneva Allensworth. She was the oldest of many siblings. Her sisters Gilda Windom, Oretha Allensworth, and Seretha Allensworth predeceased her, along with her brothers Tracy Allensworth and Bobby Allensworth. Among us to cherish her memory still are her brothers Barry Allensworth, Larry Allensworth, Phillip Allensworth, Gregory Allensworth, and Travis Allensworth.
Her legacy is lovingly carried on by her devoted children with John Runnels, her former husband turned friend, Glenn Avery Runnels and his wife Elizabeth Ransom, and Christie Rhae Francis and her husband Moses. Her grandchildren, Zachery Glenn Runnels and Nicholas Glenn Runnels, Shakiena Glory Francis, Micah Rhae Francis, and Jeremiah Moses Francis, were some of her life's biggest blessings along with her two sweet great granddaughters, Novah Choyce Runnels and Nyleah Moncler Runnels. Cecilia was also a dear aunt and great aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
Cecilia's career as a state social worker was a testament to her compassion and dedication to helping others. She served the elderly in her community with both an abundance of knowledge and empathy to ensure quality care during their latter days. Her work impacted many lives for 23 and a half years, and was affirmed with awards, certifications, and sincere gratitude expressed from the loved ones of those she served.
Cecilia enjoyed great entertainment and cuisines of all kinds, and saw the upkeep of her precious home as an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby within itself. She loved indoor gardening, shopping, and study time in scripture and Bible teaching. She was a generously faithful giver to her local church and various charities as well. She loved to talk with any and everyone, laugh, make others laugh, and quietly ponder and reflect on life. She would share her reflections generously to encourage and motivate her loved ones.
Her final moments were noted as peaceful by her caregiving team. They described her as being "so sweet" to thank everyone for attending to her as her view of eternity became clearer and clearer. She turned and went to sleep under their watchful eyes, and quietly passed away.
Her children would like to express how proud they are of their mother for persevering through her battle and coming out in victory through Christ Jesus. She gained the reward of being in His presence to rejoice with loved ones that preceded her. And for that, we give God praise for a life worth celebrating. Thank you Ma, Mother, Mommie, for EVERYTHING! We love you and we'll see you later.
Funeral services will be held 11:00am Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Rest Haven Funeral Home Rowlett officiated by her son-in-law Pastor Moses Francis Jr. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Mausoleum. Family and friends will gather for visitation at the Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00pm.
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