Edna Evonne Kemmitz, 72, of Brownwood, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025. Known to many as “Granny,” Edna was bold, funny, and fiercely loving. Her laugh was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her love for family and animals ran deep.
Born on December 11, 1952, Edna was the daughter of DJ and Odessa (Horton) Baumgardner. She married the love of her life, Charles Kemmitz, on December 13, 1966, in Brownwood. Together, they shared 58 devoted years of marriage, a bond built on love, laughter, and deep family roots.
Edna was the kind of woman who told it like it was—stubborn, honest, and straight-talking—but also deeply caring. She held her family close, offered advice from the heart, and had a gift for making people feel heard and loved. She adored children, especially babies, and found joy in holding and caring for them.
Later in life, Edna’s deep compassion extended to animals. A tireless advocate, she spent countless hours posting to help rescue, reunite, and care for animals—always true to her Facebook tagline: “I share a lot of animal posts.”
She is survived by her husband, Charles Kemmitz of Brownwood; her son Richard Kemmitz and his wife Cara of Collinsville; her daughter Cheryl Keith and her husband Robert of Fort Stockton; her daughter Angie Kemmitz of Brownwood; her son Michael Kemmitz of Brownwood; and her daughter Kimberly Trotter and her husband Scott of Abilene.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cody Keith of San Angelo; Tracy Nix and her husband Josh of Fort Stockton; and Tyler Brummett of Brownwood; and by seven great-grandchildren: Marcus Priester, Graham Nix, Maddison Nix, and Meredith Nix of Fort Stockton; and Grayson Keith, Lennix Keith, and Bellamie Keith of San Angelo. Edna leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Jimmy, Sam, and Bobby Baumgardner; her sister’s Deann Baumgardner Williams, Nora Baumgardner, and June Dee Baumgardner; and her loyal fur babies Sebastian, Little Bit, and Ginger (Ginny) Kemmitz. We find comfort in knowing that she is now in Heaven, having a joyful reunion with her family—and her treasured animals—by her side once again.
In keeping with her wishes, Edna will be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be announced by the family at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center or an animal charity of your choice, in honor of Edna’s lifelong love for animals.
