Rebecca Ann Krepper

Rebecca was born on September 5, 1946, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to William Tanner Cherry and Emily Lucretia Boyd. The family spent a short time in DeBerry, Texas prior to returning to and residing in Shreveport.

She graduated from Fairpark High School in 1964 and became a Ragin’ Cajun (USL) where she met her lifelong friends, Linda Booty and Brenda Elliott. They graduated from USL in 1969 and although they separated, they never really separated.

Rebecca spent some time in Dallas and Baltimore ministering to those in need. Her service to others included a stay in Tanzania in the Journeyman program, where she met Grace Jennings, Tom Luccock and Larry Hughes. Eventually, she would accept a position with ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia as a nursing administrator. Her position would take her around the Arabian peninsula caring for those in need and assuring things were done right.

During her stay in Arabia, she met Jim Krepper and decided he was the one. And in 1986, she returned to Houston to start her second career. She secured a position at Texas Woman’s University as a professor. She became the Associate Dean and supervised the transfer of property with Methodist Hospital to gain the spot where TWU resides today. She was active in Sigma Theta Tau and was elected Treasurer using the slogan “Let’s get fiscal”.

Those fortunate enough to know Rebecca knew her as an extraordinarily selfless and generous person. She gave freely of herself, often with no recognition. Her generosity took many forms- from financial gifts and donations of needed goods to countless personal acts of kindness that could never be measured.

Rebecca had a special gift for making the people she loved feel seen and remembered. Birthdays, anniversaries and other meaningful occasions rarely passed unnoticed. She delighted in finding unique gifts specifically chosen for the recipient.

She had the rare ability to give someone her undivided attention, not only hearing what was said but often what was unsaid. That capacity for listening combined with her generosity and compassion, allowed her to touch the lives of family, friends and colleagues at exactly the moments when it mattered most. She was a loyal friend. A thoughtful confidante and someone whose care for others was demonstrated through action rather than words. Rebecca was an avid reader. She could curl up in her chair or on the sofa and become immersed in a book. Her favorite genre was mystery. A book was rarely far from reach.

Rebecca is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jim, her brothers: Richard, William, Kevin and by her sister, Susan. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Tanner Cherry and Emily Lucretia Boyd.

Rebecca lived a life of accomplishment, but she will be remembered for something far more personal: the way she cared for people. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved and leaves behind, the friends she cherished and the colleagues she supported, the institutions she served and the many people whose lives were made better because Rebecca listened and gave. For those who knew and loved her, the absence of Rebecca’s thoughtful presence will be deeply felt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to MD Anderson Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held in the future. The date and time have not been determined.