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Obituary For Mrs. Reinell (Rennie) Thomas-Myers
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
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John Williams sent Red and White Handled Basket for Mrs. Reinell (Rennie) Thomas-Myers - June 10, 2026
Keith Campbell sent Red and White Floor Basket for Mrs. Reinell (Rennie) Thomas-Myers - June 09, 2026
Hazel B Parker sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Mrs. Reinell (Rennie) Thomas-Myers - June 08, 2026
Deepest Condolences to Ms. Evia, the Thomas and Myers families. I went to high school and college with Reinell.
Sending prayers, hugs and words of comfort. Rennie was a special young lady, always willing to help in any way that she could. Precious memories oh how they linger. God bless the Myers, Thomas and Zimmerman. Much love. Doris Felder
Dearest Beloved Family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. May our God bless you with the strength to endure at this very difficult time; and in time May the Love of God enable you to celebrate Rennie's Life with all of your sweet Memories ❤️🩹
The Watson Family (Margaret,Terry,Sonya, Pamela) pray The Lord's Grace and Comforting Mercy be bestowed upon The Myers, Thomas and Zimmerman Families and ALL of Cousin Rennie's extended Family and Friends during this difficult time. We will never forget Her warmth and genuinely kind spirit. May God Bless and Strengthen You,With HIS Unending Love. Sincerely The Watson Family
Sending Sincere Condolences To The Family of Reinell. May you be Comforted by the Beautiful Memories you Shared.
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. She was a beautiful person. Had opportunity to work with her during my time at SCSU. Rest in peace♥️🙏🏽
May god be your guide through this difficult time
Sending prayers, love, and comfort. Shanta Howell ( Helen's Granddaughter)
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I can physically picture Rennie's beautiful smile. I know her mom and aunties, Liz and Dorothy. This was a beautiful, spirited young lady. May her family be blessed, and may God bless her soul and give her eternal rest. Gloria and Ronald Kirkland
Hi Evia,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your precious daughter. Although words cannot remove the pain, we pray that God will surround you and your family with His love, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
May you find strength in His promise:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
Rodney and Pat Jenkins
Prayers and condolences to you and your families as you mourn the passing of Reinell. May God strengthen you as you go through this difficult time. Elizabeth Wilson
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Rennie was My cousin. She's truly gonna be miss God Trudy has an angel now she was the flower that fulfilled God flower arrangement and God only picks the rarest flower and my cousin Rennie on June 5 was that flower and we all know we all love beautiful flowers so may God bless the family friends. I just want her to know she's truly gonna be Miss to my aunt Evie stay strong she's still looking down on you. I love you, Cynthia kamisha English.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Myers on the campus of SCSU, and she's been in my life ever since. She was such a kind and caring person, and I am truly grateful to have known her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched. 🤍🙏🏾
My Prayers and condolences to the family. Rennie will be missed. She was was a classmate both High School and College. Class 83 SCSU.
My sincere condolences to the Myers and Zimmerman family for such a loss. Ronnie was a beautiful young lady and many she shared her love and time well spent. May her legacy continues for much remembrance.
Be encouraged...
My condolences to The Thomas & Myers Family May you be Encourage and May God gives you Strength during this difficult time Evia Jerome and the rest of the entire family May God gives you peace in your heart
Dear Myers and Zimmerman families: Please know that you have my deepest condolences on the demise of our dear Rennie. God knows how much a heartache weigh, just ask and he will carry it for you. Sorrowfully, Eartha J. Corbitt
I am so sorry to hear of Rennie's passing. My deepest condolences to the family. May God continue to provide comfort and strength to you all during this difficult time. Rennie was such a beautiful person. We took many classes in the business dept at SCSU. CLASS OF 1983.
Della Taylor Hubbard
I am so sorry to hear of Rennie's passing. My deepest condolences to the family. May God continue to provide comfort and strength to you all during this difficult time. Jackie Gordon and family
I met Rennie at the Orangeburg County Library where she was a frequent patron. Always smiling and greeting me with a "Hello Friend". This was a shock, and I am sending my condolences to the Myers, Thomas and Zimmerman families.
We knew the Thomas family ever since they lived on Lovell st. My sister Deborah n Evia were friends, we became even closer when my husband ran over the back of "Rennies" I think it was a orange BMW car , with his tow truck "Ronnie's ". Every time they would see each other they would laugh n talk. If we saw each other we laugh n talk n she would ask me if he was "behaving", with that beautiful smile n laugh. SIP, n our love n condolences to the family. Shelia
Our bleated heartfelt condolences and deepest of sympathies to all of her family members, friends, Classmates, Psychiatrists, Faculty Members, Fellow Students, First Responders, Schoolteachers, School Officials, Guidance Counselors, Coworkers, and all of her other loved ones, during all of their times of bereavement, mourning, and grieving. IN THE BLESSED, HOLY, AND MOST RIGHTEOUS NAME OF my PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST AMEN AND AMEN.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
News of "Rennie" passing hit like a ton of rocks. My sincere regards Evia and family. May God continue to comfort you during this difficult time. Deborah and Family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
