Rachel Marie Fairbanks

Rachel Fairbanks was escorted to her heavenly home on Saturday morning, February 10, 2018. Rachel loves the Lord and is happy to be with His saints in glory, many of whom she helped lead to the Savior. She grew up in the cotton fields of Central Texas, graduated from Bertram High School in ‘44, and bought herself a Greyhound ticket to Houston. She soon had a job at the Federal Reserve Bank. She and her new friend, Alice Roark (Cook), attended Berean Baptist Church on 11th Street. When the men returned from WWII, they married a pair of friends and started families in Oak Forest.

Rachel’s beloved husband of 50 years, Earl, preceded her in 1998. Their children are William Fairbanks and wife, Janet; Glenna McGonigal and husband, Jerry; Karen Newcomer and husband, Larry and Julia Fairbanks. They have nine grandchildren: Houston E. Baker and wife, Lyndsay; Lucas E. Newcomer; William E. Baker and wife, Kerry; Earl B. Fairbanks and wife, Jenni; Kyle G. Newcomer and wife, Lindsay; Rebekah R. Baker; Bonnie M. Flint and husband, Chris; Kara L. Shepherd and husband, Jared and David T. Baker. Sixteen great grandchildren: Rachel, Michael and Annabel Baker, Lauren, William, Colin and Deirdre Baker, Liam and Jack Fairbanks, Thomas, Jacob and Lila Newcomer, Avery and Lily Baker, Claire Flint and Mia Shepherd.

Rachel was a charter member of Bible Way Baptist Church of Houston. She taught Sunday School and labored in the church for as long as she was physically able. Other labors of love were AARP chapter Vice President and Meals-On –Wheels. Rachel was a godly mother and wife and known for her hospitality and home cooked meals. She will be missed by her large family of loving children, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and their children. After a long life of Christian service, Rachel has countless brothers and sisters in Christ who love her and blessed her life.

Our deepest thanks to mother’s wonderful Care Givers: LaShavia Brown, Marquita Stell, Roshell Lyons, Erika Green, Eureka Green, Jasmine Amerson and Debra Stell.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Bible Way Baptist Church, designated for Paul Rose, Missionary to Peru would be greatly appreciated. Rachel loved Bro. Paul and supported his mission. The address is 4544 Brinkman St, Houston 77018.