Schmidt
Lurraine Elizabeth “Rainey” Schmidt, 77, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2026, in Fayetteville.
A memorial service will be held in the near future honoring her life that was marked by faith, kindness, and steadfast devotion to the people she loved and the Lord she served.
She was born Feb. 22, 1949, in Robstown, the daughter of Marguerite and Lex Sutton Sr.
She was a woman whose life testified to the quiet power of a faithful heart. Rainey was known by her family and friends as thoughtful, kind, and deeply faith-filled. She carried herself with a gentle strength that encouraged others, and she lived in a way that reflected the grace of Christ. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought reassurance, and her example reminded those around her that a life rooted in faith can bless generations.
Rainey attended public school in Columbus and later earned her GED and CNA license.
She married Nelson Schmidt on May 26, 1966, in Columbus and together they built a life based on love, responsibility and perseverance.
Rainey took great pride in being a homemaker and in raising her three children. She also served as a substitute teacher at several local schools, where she especially loved working with special needs students. She found joy in helping children learn and grow, and she approached that work with patience, compassion, and a sincere desire to make a difference. Her greatest earthly achievements were closely tied to her service to the Lord. Rainey loved teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Columbus, and she continued that ministry for many years at West End Church in Industry. She cherished the opportunity to help children understand God’s truth, and she especially loved watching them learn something new, particularly when it was about Jesus. Her faith was not something she kept to herself. It was visible in the way she spoke, served, encouraged, and prayed.
Rainey also created a beautiful and lasting legacy through her Card Ministry at West End Church. Her cards were written from the heart, and they always seemed to carry the exact words needed for each occasion. Through this simple but powerful ministry, she offered comfort, celebration, sympathy, and hope to many. Her thoughtful notes became a ministry of their own, reminding others that even small acts of love can have eternal value when offered in Jesus’ name.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Dana Darlene; parents, Marguerite and Bill Dennis; father, Lex Sutton Sr; husband, Nelson Melvin Milton Schmidt; granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Schmidt; son, William “Billy” Schmidt; and sister-in-law, Joann Sutton. Though these losses were deeply painful, Rainey remained a woman of faith, trusting God through sorrow and holding fast to the promise of eternal life.
She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Schmidt and Michael Gideon of Fayetteville; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jovana Schmidt of Sulpher Springs; grandson and his wife, Logan and Jamison Spanihel of San Antonio; granddaughter, Mattye Schmidt of College Station; her brother and sister-in-law, Lex Jr. and Ruby Sutton of Somerville; and half-sister, Sandra Brisco of Sheridan. Her family will remember her as a steady source of love, encouragement, and prayer, and her influence will continue to live on in the lives she touched.
Rainey’s life was a testimony that faith is not merely spoken, but lived. She showed that kindness matters, that teaching matters, that encouragement matters, and that serving others in the name of Christ is never wasted. Her journey on this earth has ended, but the impact of her life remains. Those who knew her can take comfort in the truth that her labor was not in vain and that her faith has now become sight. Rainey Schmidt will be remembered with love, gratitude, and honor, and her legacy of devotion to God, family, and children will continue to bless many for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Research, Texas Cripple Children’s Hospital and/or Shriners’ Hospital.