Jennifer Renee Milstead, 45, went home to be with the Lord on December 3, 2018. Jennifer was born into a large loving family on July 17, 1973, in Port Arthur, TX to Horace A. Newton and Geneieve Simmons-Milstead. She was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High school where she was a proud flutist of the “Bumble Bee Marching Band.” She attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas as well as Lamar University where she was recently working towards a B.S. degree in Elementary Education.

Jennifer’s family affectionately called her by her middle name, Renee. Renee had a love for helping others and working with children. She was involved in various community services such as The HOPE Center and the NAACP. She was employed by the Port Arthur Independent School District as a Teacher Assistant at Sam Houston Elementary School. She had a passion for teaching Art to the students who attended her cherished Art Club. She was recently awarded a grant to continue her expressive work with the young students.

Although she touched many with her warm smile, vibrant personality, and unwavering dedication to her craft and studies, Renee was a devout servant of God who dearly loved the closest two to her heart, her daughter, Hilery Jamil Poveda and her mother. Renee is survived by her mother, daughter, and siblings: Michael Milstead, Cynthia Milstead, Gerald Milstead, Roxie Davis, Valeria Benabdallah Johnston, Jacqueline Newton Gonsalvez, and Greg Milstead. She was also the loving aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.

Renee’s life and legacy will be honored at her Homegoing on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Carter’s Chapel CME Church, 814 Rev. Raymond Scott Street, Port Arthur, TX with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time.  Rev. Wooten will be presiding over the service, and the ceremonial hostess will be her good friend, Tisha Armstead. Followed by a procession to the burial site, Live Oak Cemetery.

“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:2