Julia Renee Black Mastin was born in Livingston, Texas, on March 22, 1964, to parents Morris Julian Black and Ruby Jewel (Ogden) Black and passed away on May 18, 2025, at her home in Livingston, Texas.

Her childhood home was in Onalaska, Texas. As soon as Putt and Ruby brought Renee home from the hospital, her brother, Ricky, tried to sell her for 25 cents to anyone in Onalaska that opted to take her. Rumor has it that someone actually paid him for her but brought her back home - and then Ricky was the one crying.

Renee was no stranger to hard work and determination, yet she also knew how to have a good time. As a teenager, she instigated excitement in Old Town Onalaska by famously driving her Honda 150 around at full throttle for hours, always with her helmet securely fastened. She was sure to let everyone know that she had never received a speeding ticket. Renee was 10 years old when the twins, Rhonda and Robin, were born. She loved them so much that she took them to "show and tell" at school, but it didn't take her long to figure out they weren't really all that pleasant. When Ruby asked for her help with getting them to sleep, Renee quickly responded, "You had them, you rock them!" But we all know she quickly apologized and helped Mama anyway.

Her wit and humor were truly unmatched. She was so funny!

She wasn't shy about tearing up Highway 356 in the evenings with Jeanne Ann Smith Byrd Smith, and showed no fear, even when facing someone twice her size - as long as Kathy and Bobby Smith were nearby.

Renee and her brother, Eddy, swapped poems to see who could be the wittiest and also shared a love for music.

She loved her Sing-a-Long Sundays with Samantha and Julie, and fishing with Ricky and Tina. We don't remember them bringing in many fish but they sure knew how to sink a boat!

Her strong work ethic began at a young age when she started working at the courthouse in Livingston right after high school. She later opened T-Shirts and More, where she showcased her artistic talents, while also managing the car wash, storage rentals, and commercial properties. You could set your watch by Renee's routine. She was never late, rising early and working until every task was complete.

Everyone who knew her knows that she always kept a yellow note pad handy, ready for whenever Jack would call. That yellow legal pad was their key to success. If the truth be told, she probably kept every page from every yellow note pad that was ever written during her lifetime.

Renee had a deep passion for travel and the great outdoors. That passion ranged from zip-lining in Costa Rica to reading a novel on the beaches of Culebra, or simply floating down the river with friends. She loved walking down the beach barefoot looking for sea glass.

She was always eager for an adventure. From trips with Jack to Mexico to see if they could find a "deal", flying to Vegas for New Years, or staying at the beach house, she could be packed and ready in a moment's notice.

She loved spending time outdoors. Her Father, Putt, instilled the love of hunting in her at an early age, and she would rise early and spend countless hours hunting for the perfect whitetail deer.

Chasing the "big jackpot" was also part of Renee's spirit. It was not uncommon to hear her calling Diana Matlock on a Friday afternoon, during lunch, exclaiming, "Pack your bags! We're heading East. I have 'free' rooms!" I think we all know those rooms aren't actually 'free'.

There was another side to Renee that not many people saw - the side that would quietly slip you a $100 bill, lending a helping hand without seeking recognition, or purchasing Christmas gifts anonymously for a child who needed it. She has also sponsored numerous livestock show animals over the years.

Wherever four or more were gathered, Renee would expect a 42 game to begin, and Skip-Bo was a must whenever friends or family visited. She loved shopping with Ruby, Kathy, Rhonda and Robin, and that crew couldn't pass up a garage sale, a Goodwill, or an antique store, no matter where in Texas they were.

She has sat on the front pew at Wildwood Gospel Church for the last few years. She loved that church and its people.

Renee's greatest achievement came when she became Mimi. She devoted countless hours to taking Trip and his brother, Hunter, to wrestling tournaments and baseball games. When Axel and Ellie arrived, she embraced her role as a painting and crafting Mimi, cherishing every moment spent with them.

The love that Renee had for her family can be found by simply walking into her house. She has framed pictures of her people triple lined on every space available. She kept every single item that anyone has ever given her, and was the best gift giver herself. It has been so heartwarming and easy for her family to reminisce, just by entering those double doors.

Renee will be laid to rest barefoot, as she has a playdate with Justin Samuel, running on the beaches in Heaven.

Though she has moved on from this earthly life, Renee's memory will forever be cherished by each and every one of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

Renee is survived by long time friend, Jack Rowland; daughter, Samantha Harris and husband, Jason; daughter, Meghan Stinson and husband, Tim; grandson Dawson Harris; granddaughter Addy Harris; grandson, Hunter Teel; grandson, Trip Teel; grandson, Axel Black Harris; granddaughter, Ellie Jewel Harris; grandsons, Brayden and Bryce Stinson; granddaughter, Brynli Stinson; great-granddaughter, Saylor Harris; great-grandson, Kash Marquez; brother, Eddy Black; sister, Kathy Black; brother, Ricky Black, Sr.; sister, Rhonda Woods and husband Walter; sister, Robin Black; step-brother, Johnnie Loftin; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Putt Black; mother and step-father, Ruby and Vernon Loftin; brother, Johnny Ray Black; nephew, Justin Samuel Cobb; sisters-in-law, Relda and Tina Black; great niece, Stella Barnes; step-brother, Russell Loftin; step-sister, Polly Loftin.

Serving as pallbearers are Rick Black, Jr., Hunter Ray Black, Dusty Ogden, Mason Barnes, Johnny Byrd, III, Chad Rowe, Justin Rowe, Haden Hathorn, and Kade Webb.

Honorary pallbearers are Trip Teel, Jason Harris, Walter Woods, Dawson Harris, Zachary Davies, Brayden Stinson, Bryce Stinson, Kirk Rowland, Zack Rowland, Carter Rowland, and Sam Smead, Jr.

Funeral services will be held in Renee's honor Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Onalaska, Texas. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Onalaska. Visitation will take place Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.