Funeral services for Mrs. Reinell (Rennie) Thomas-Myers, 65, of Orangeburg, SC, will be held 11:00 am, Friday, June 12, 2026, at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Orangeburg, SC, with entombment to follow at Gethsemane Memorial Garden.

Reinell, “Rennie” Thomas-Myers, 65, dedicated her life to service, faith, family, and the empowerment of others, until her passing in the comfort of her home on June 5, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people and communities she cherished. Rennie’s birth blessed Evia and Reynold “Joe Pete” Thomas (deceased) on January 24, 1961, in Orangeburg, SC. She grew up in the loving home of her grandparents along with her cousins, Vincent and Marvin, who were like her brothers. Her early education began at Trinity United Methodist Church Kindergarten, and she continued her elementary school years in Philadelphia’s parochial and public schools. She adjusted easily to her “big city life” with the help of her Aunt Phyllis, 2 years older, and Uncle Andre’ “Shorty”, one year older. In Philadelphia, Rennie participated in the youth choir at Resurrection AME Church; joined the Girl Scouts as a Brownie; and followed Phyllis to dance class that lasted through a recital. The family relocated to Orangeburg in 1973, and Rennie began middle school at Brookdale.

Rennie graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1978. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from South Carolina State University in 1983, with a minor in accounting. She later obtained a Master of Education degree in Technology Education from Lesley University in 2010. Rennie was loyal to her alma mater serving as class chairperson for reunions and other functions.

Her professional life was a testament to her belief in education and opportunity. She faithfully served for more than 30 years at South Carolina State University, ultimately becoming Executive Director of Minority Teacher Recruitment. She deeply loved her students and maintained lifelong connections with the lives she profoundly shaped. Before this role, she was the program manager for SC-PRRMT, overseeing forgivable loan initiatives such as the EIA Forgivable Loan Program and the African- American Teacher Loan Program. Her career also included positions as a Gear-Up counselor; accounting technician in SC State’s Department of Business and Finance; colead for the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity Grant; and accounting technician at Denmark Technical College.

Her commitment to service was a constant thread in her life. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter, she served as Co-Chair for both the South Carolina Fall and Spring State Meetings and contributed her gift of organization and hospitality to the Hospitality, Founders Day, and Publicity Committees. She was equally devoted to the Greater Orangeburg Chapter of the South Carolina State National Alumni Association serving as Membership Co Chair and working on events to include the Jazzy Bulldog All White Event, the Christmas Social, and various hospitality initiatives.

Rennie married her high school sweetheart, Jerome Myers on December 31, 2010. A woman of deep and active faith, she began her spiritual journey at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she joined the Youth Choir, and later grew in service at The Park Church in Charlotte, NC, where she served as a dedicated member of the Greeters Ministry. She welcomed every soul with a smile that made strangers feel like family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Reynold “Joe Pete” Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Jerome Myers of Charlotte, North Carolina; her mother Evia Zimmerman Thomas of Orangeburg, South Carolina; aunts Dorothy Zimmerman Elmore and Liz Zimmerman Keitt of Orangeburg, South Carolina; uncles, Joe L. Zimmerman (Carol) of Ashbury Park, New Jersey and Leroy Zimmerman (Alice) of Cumming, Georgia; cousins Teresa Elmore Wilks, , James Elmore Jr. (Gloria), and Marvin Keitt all of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Vincent Keitt, and Lamont Zimmerman all of Brooklyn, New York; and Rodney Zimmerman of Atlanta, Geogia; Derel Zimmerman (Gwendolyn) of Fishkill, NY.

She was embraced as a sister by Michael P. Jarvis (Gail), her “brother by another mother,” along with William “Robby” Davis, her Godbrother, and her beloved Godmother, Barbara Jean Tilley Graves. She was surrounded throughout her life by cousins who were raised alongside her as true siblings and sisters “from other mothers”. Known affectionately as “Auntie Rein,” she poured love into every child in her extended family and circle of friends. Her godchildren — Kimberly Roundtree, Raleigh T. Jackson, Megan A. Jackson, John Javis, Evan Javis, and Camille Quarterman — held their own special places in her heart. Through every chapter of her life, she uplifted others — family, friends, students, and community members alike. Her impact will continue to echo through the countless people she encouraged, mentored, and loved.

Reinell’s presence will be forever missed, but the light she shined on others will never dim.

Public viewing will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1-6pm, with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service beginning at 6:30pm.

Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The South Carolina State University Foundation Class of 1983.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com