Eileen Jacobson Kent (MooMa) 1936-2009

Halle and Lucas,

Our dear sweet MooMa went to be with Jesus and I don't want to let too much time pass without writing down some of the wonderful things about her.

MooMa was one of the most amazing people I know and she left a wonderful legacy. MooMa was a HUGE part of my life and she was present at every major event I think of. School plays, tennis matches, graduations, birthdays, etc. She made the holidays so special and created an environment of warmth & love for our family. Last Thanksgiving, the day after Lucas was born, we left the hospital and the plan was to go to the lakehouse for Thanksgiving dinner. To make it easier for us, MooMa brought the entire meal over to Marmy & Opa's house, so we wouldn't have to make the trip to the lake. MooMa was incredibly selfless. Jesus was her focus and she showed it through her actions.

When MooMa was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer last January, her reaction was that of someone with incredible faith. She told me that she had no fear of death and that she trusted God's will over her own. It's an easy thing to say but she DID trust God until the very end. Every step of the way I saw true peace and a passion for Jesus that has inspired me to live a life for Christ in a way I had never considered. We are a choice daily to live for Christ or to live for the world. It's so simple but why is it so difficult? Why are the distractions of this world so enticing when they serve no kingdom purpose? How can we truly focus on God and his plan for our lives? MooMa did this. She lived with a kingdom purpose and my prayer is that you and I will do the same. Life is extremely difficult and all we really have is the truth in scripture. Hold on tight and don't ever let go. My cup runneth over MooMa. I miss you dearly! Life will never be the same, but Christ is our comfort!

Notes from Uncle Todd that were shared during MooMa's Service

On behalf of the family, I would like to thank each of you for coming today to celebrate and honor the life of my mother, Eileen Kent. The gathering of family and friends here today is representative of mom’s life. She loved people and devoted her life to those around her. Many of you have traveled far to be here today and we are grateful for your effort. Our only regret is that we will not be able to spend an appropriate amount of time with each and every person.

We are also thankful for the support of the various church families who have reached out to the members of our family. Mom loved the local church and instilled a love of the church in her children and grandchildren. A special thanks to Grace Bible Church for providing a spiritual home for both mom and dad and friendships that have made all the difference in their lives.

I would like to thank my sister Tanya for her tireless support and service to mother over the past 9 months. You truly laid down your life for another. And to my brother Trey, thanks for speaking the words we need to hear, even though they are sometimes painful. You help us to remember that the earthly life is a mere moment in time and that God has everything under control.

Jack and Althea, we grieve with you at the loss of a sister and we all know that you understand the pain of losing a mother to such a terrible disease. To all of the grandchildren and nieces and nephews, mom has left a great legacy and example for you to follow. You brought so much joy to her life. And dad, although you have lost a partner in life, you are not alone. Your friends and family are here to support you.

Living overseas, I did not get the opportunity to be with mom during her last days. The last time I spoke to mom she simply said, “I will see you in heaven.” Throughout this entire battle with cancer, her faith never wavered and she focused on her future reward. Her life echoed the words of Paul when he said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” We weep today, not for mom, but for ourselves and our loss. As a family of believers, we are comforted by the knowledge that this life is not the end. This is not all there is.

As we remember mom today, I fear that my words will be just clichés that do not fully describe her in a manner worthy of the life she lived. However, I have chosen several qualities that describe mom. First of all, she was self-less. Mom was willing to give of herself so that those around her could prosper. She was the constant in all of our lives. Mom was the hub of our wheel. In her quiet manner, she held all of the spokes together.

She epitomized the biblical notion of a help-mate. My father’s success as a coach was due in part to the constant support of my mother. Her self-less life was demonstrated by her continual efforts to reach out to others. Because of who she was as a person, people were drawn to her. Her specialty was dealing with those with failing marriages and coaches wives whose husbands had lost their jobs. And we all know that there have been many of those over the past 20 years.

Second, mom consistently lived a life that was beyond reproach. In one of his books, Bill Hybel’s ask the question, “Who are you when no one is looking?” Whether in public or private, mom was the same. She had no need to put on a façade for anyone. Her public faith mirrored her private life. My daughter Elisabeth lived with mom and dad over the past summer. Elisabeth recounted to me how she would come downstairs each morning and find mom reading her Bible and praying. The example of her life was more valuable than any words

Third, mom was full of joy. My children loved going to her home because she was fun and young at heart. She created an atmosphere at home where others wanted to come and be a part. Our family gatherings were times of laughter and enjoyment.

Her mother, father, and brother were all in the medical field. I believe that she took that family heritage to heart. We always accused her of practicing medicine without a license. If you had an ailment, she had the cure. She loved to study personality types, and many of our fondest memories of holidays are sitting around discussing everyone’s personality quirks. Like most families, our family has much to laugh about.

Let me mention a few other things about mom:

Mom loved tennis more than any human being. Much more than anyone else in the family. My father coached tennis for 35 years and she loved to watch his teams play. But, she was also a good tennis player herself. She still blames a rain delay for costing her the state doubles championship in high school. She continued to play well into her 60’s and her over 65 team qualified for the national championships.

Mom always thought the best of other people. Recently while visiting Trey’s church in Austin, she noticed a man with tattoos all over his body and piercing on his face standing in the lobby. She walked over to him and ask him if he was dressed like that so he could do the children’s story during the service. He said, “No mam, I am just here for church.”

Mom was a dear friend to so many. The evidence is the number of people that took the time to be here today. There are a few people in this room that have been her friend for 50 years.
Today we rejoice in the life of Eileen Kent, thankful to have known her, blessed by her life, changed by her example. Our family would like to thank each of you for making mom’s life so rewarding and so full.

Eileen Kent Obituary:

BRYAN - Eileen Jacobson Kent, 73, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009.
Celebration of life services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Grace Bible Church in College Station with the Rev. Trey Kent officiating. Graveside services will be in the Aggie Field of Honor in College Station. Arrangements are by Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan.

Eileen was born Feb. 19, 1936, in Lubbock to Dr. Merlin and Viola Jacobson. Eileen graduated from Amarillo High School, attended Texas Tech University and married her high school sweetheart, David.

Her strong Christian faith guided her throughout life and was the foundation of her service to others. A seed was planted in her heart that would mark her life to be a servant and teacher of God's word to women from all backgrounds.

Eileen served the Lord in many capacities. She spoke at many Christian retreats and was a leader in Bible study fellowship for many years. In the Bryan-College Station area, Eileen was a teacher and mentor to women in prison through the Women's Prison Ministry, and she also started and led the FCA Bible study for Texas A&M coaches' wives for many years. Eileen was active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae group, where she spent years teaching the Bible to young women who were eager to hear God's word. She developed a deep love and caring for each and every life she touched through her numerous ministries.

Eileen was very active in tennis throughout her lifetime. She started playing at an early age and went to the Texas State Championships her senior year at Amarillo High School. As an adult, she traveled all around Texas playing in tennis tournaments, always ready to compete.

She was also active in supporting her husband, "Coach" Kent, and his tennis teams for more than 38 years and served as a mentor, and avid fan when he coached his tennis teams in Amarillo, Midland, Canyon and finally the fighting Texas Aggies in Bryan-College Station.

She was president of the Brazos County Republican Women's Association and very active in the Republican Party politics. Eileen was heavily involved in her community including being active in the local Gideons International, and a faithful member of the local PEO.

Eileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009.

Her positive attitude, grace and encouraging spirit were a source of strength and comfort for all those who witnessed her courageous battle against colon cancer.

The Kent family would like to thank all of their family and friends for their generous support during Eileen's illness. The family would like to include a special thank you to Darce Maree for her constant love and caring spirit. They would also like to thank Dr. Juddi Yeh at Scott and White for going the extra mile and for her outstanding care of Eileen during her illness.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Survivors include her loving husband of more than 54 years, "Coach" David Kent; three children, Tanya Grona and husband Fred, Dr. Todd Kent and wife Brenda and the Rev. Trey Kent and wife Mary Anne; a brother, Dr. Jack Jacobson and wife Dr. Elizabeth Jacobson of Austin; a sister, Dr. Althea Wright of Stillwater, Okla.; seven grandchildren, to whom she was known as "Moo Ma," Ashley Frey and husband Luke, Tyson Kent Grona, Lindsay Kent, Christina Kent, Elisabeth Kent, Emily Kent and Abby Kent, they each brought great joy to her heart. She also leaves a strong Christian legacy for her two great-grandchildren, Halle and Lucas Frey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Some other words about MooMa:

A Torch Has Passed by Erin Kleinecke
A light has left our world after burning brightly for 73 years. The passing of Eileen Jacobson Kent may not be covered 24/7 by CNN or splashed across the headlines. For her accomplishments are not given the recognition they deserve in this day and time. But fame or fortune was never important to Eileen.She epitomized the definition of a lady. She was soft-spoken, cheerful, optimistic and always interested in how "you" were doing--no matter who you were. She made you feel as though you were the most important person in her life. Hers was a sincere interest in your well-being, not a disingenuous affectation flaunted for show. You walked away from any conversation with her feeling just a little bit better about yourself.Eileen was married for 50+ years to the highly successful tennis coach, David Kent. His accolades are re-counted in numerous ways and his name forever in the history books of American collegiate tennis. He would be the first to say that he couldn't have done it without Eileen. She was his rock and anchor through the storms of coaching; an incredible role model for coaches' wives everywhere.She mentored many of those wives through her coaches wives' bible study group. She could empathize with the challenges of the lifestyle without ever demeaning or degrading the coaches themselves. She lifted everyone up with her positive outlook.She was a person of great faith in God. She didn't just tell you what she believed, she demonstrated her beliefs with action. She fed the hungry, clothed the naked, housed the homeless and ministered to the sick. She truly saw Jesus in everyone she met.Eileen was faithful in matters big and small. Her family came first, nurturing three children, seven grandchildren and boasting a great granddaughter. But she was never too tired or too busy for a friend in need.Recognition in this life was not her aim. Her only goal was to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy."Those who were blessed by the light of her life can take comfort in knowing she achieved the only recognition that lasts. Her torch can light the way for all who choose to follow.