Brenda Griffith Karnei

Ms. Brenda Karnei, 74, of Navasota, passed away Monday, August 3rd at Saint Joseph Hospital in College Station, Texas. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., August 10th, at Grimes County Fairgrounds. Close family friend, Robert Evans, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Brenda Ann Griffith Karnei was born in Navasota, Texas on March 17, 1952, to Joshua Allen Griffith and Mary Katherine Bachmeyer. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s in Education and later obtained a Master of Education from Texas A&M University. Over the countless years of teaching multiple grade levels and subjects, she mentored and guided her students to push themselves to excel both in and out of the classroom. Until the day of her passing, she was passionate about the future of education.

At the age of 19, she married the love of her life, Kermit Glenn Karnei. Together, they raised their children, Roy Allen Karnei and Bonnie Nell Karnei Cerny. As a family, they spent years traveling the rodeo roads while creating wonderful memories. Many close family friendships were forged in Kermit’s shoeing shop located at their house where the door was always open to anyone stopping by.

Both Brenda and Kermit were smitten with the birth of their first grandchild, Cheyenne, in 2013. Even though miles had to be traveled, they made it a point to form an unbreakable bond. Ty was born in 2017, shortly after the passing of Kermit. Both Cheyenne and Ty have countless memories with Grams, from the annual back to school shopping trips, water parks, riding horses, playing games, and eating at their favorite restaurants. Grams was an enthusiastic fan at their sporting events, especially basketball (which could be due to her being named All District Basketball player during her high school career!). Grams was always easy to spot in the stands! These are some of the things that will be most treasured and missed with her passing.

Brenda was intentional to maintain her friendships. She was always meeting someone to have lunch to discuss memories, grandkids, education, and politics. Many were blessed to call her a loyal friend who reached out in times of need with generosity and support. She loved deeply!

Brenda was a devoted member of multiple Catholic churches serving in the Alter’s Society and counting collection. Her faith was strong, giving us comfort that she is in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while also being reunited with her love, Kermit, whom she deeply missed these past nine years.

Brenda is survived by son, Roy Allen Karnei; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie Nell and Cliff Cerny; sister and brother-in-law, Karel and Roy Lee Batts; sister, Nancy Goff; brother, Mark Griffith; grandchildren, Cheyenne Rose Cerny and Ty Garrett Cerny; nieces, Tracy Hermes and husband Dennis, Stefanie Tumlinson; and nephew, Kenneth Karnei; great niece, Mallory Depine and husband Randall; and great nephews Brayden, Brandon, and Brenham; great-great-niece, Stella Depine.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Kermit; brother-in-law Kenneth Karnei and great nephew Lain Hermes, and her in-laws Elroy and Angel Lee Karnei.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to Vital Caring Hospice & Palliative in College Station, Texas, or East Chambers ISD Education Foundation in Winnie, Texas, or Navasota ISD Education Foundation.

In John 16:22, Jesus tells His disciples: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (ESV).