Melanie Brewer

Melanie Frances Corker Brewer was born April 1st, 1972 in West Berlin, Germany (USAF) to Emmett and Glenda Corker. Three years later, she became a big sister to her twin sisters Amy and Amanda, and her loving family lived in Turkey, Nebraska, California, and various Texas base locations until settling in San Angelo, TX during her middle school years. She graduated from Central High School in 1990. Melanie came to Christ at an early age and Emmett (or Cork as he is known) and Glenda served in various churches with their family of girls. Cork eventually became a full-time pastor after retirement. While in San Angelo, Melanie was a faithful part of the Hillcrest Baptist Church Acteens, youth group, choir, summer camps, missions, and outreach. After high school, she went on to attend Wayland Baptist University where she was active in International Choir, the Baptist Student Union (Ministries) leadership, and the Ms. Wayland pageant. She graduated with an accounting degree in 1995. While at Wayland, Melanie also faithfully served and then worked at First Baptist Church Plainview, and during her first semester she met, dated, and became engaged to the love of her earthly life, Jacob Brewer. They were married in June of 1993.

Melanie went on to serve with Jacob at First Baptist Church Plainview in the youth ministry, and then First Baptist Church Hereford where Jacob was called to serve as youth minister. While in Hereford, Melanie worked using her business skills at Plains Insurance and PM Agriculture. She gave birth to their first child, Brianna Elizabeth, born February 9, 1996, and later that year, the young family moved to Abilene, TX to Hardin-Simmons University for Jacob to attend PT School. Melanie was hired by HSU as the Dorm Director at Hunter Hall and then Ferguson Hall and gave birth to their second daughter, Brittany Autumn, born November 6, 1997. During her time at HSU, she obtained her Masters of Business Administration in 1998. While in Abilene, the Brewers attended First Baptist Church and were active in the Preston’s Sunday School, children, youth, college, traditional, and contemporary services.

Melanie and her growing family eventually moved to Big Spring, TX. While Jacob began work at Scenic Mountain Medical Center, the couple served at Hillcrest Baptist Big Spring in the children, youth, and young adult ministry. Jacob served as bi-vocational youth minister and the couple also hosted several youth interns during their time there. In addition, they served faithfully in the Scenic Mountain Emmaus Community. While in Big Spring, Melanie also worked at First Baptist Church Mother’s-Day-Out and taught at Howard College. She gave birth to her third child, Brooklyn Faith, born November 1, 2000. Later, Melanie and her family of five moved to Waco, TX where Jacob took a position with Hillcrest Health Systems, and they served in the children and youth ministries of Park Lake Drive Baptist Church and Waco Christian Fellowship. In addition, Melanie worked at Highland Baptist Church Mother’s-Day-Out, and the family enjoyed the outdoors at Lake Waco, the Brazos River, and Cameron Park Zoo.

Melanie and Jacob then moved back to Abilene, TX in 2004 to work at Hardin-Simmons where she served in the Residence Life, Human Resources, and Business Offices until April of 2008 when she gave birth to her fourth and fifth children, the twins Joshua Francis and Joy Nicole. The twins faced many challenges at birth and were in the NICU for several months at Harris Methodist and Cook Children’s in Fort Worth. Melanie served them lovingly and faithfully. She stayed home with Joshua and Joy and worked with Joshua through his many surgeries and therapy services until he was able to see and walk well. Melanie then served as assistant director of Mother’s-Day-Out at River of Life Church, and went back to school at HSU to obtain her teaching certification. When Josh and Joy started school at Wylie ISD, she accepted a position in the Administration office as assistant food service director and then later food service director where she continued the work she loved with the wonderful Wylie community. During these last 17 years in Abilene, Melanie served with her family at Morning Star Community Church (Gracepoint), and then since 2005 absolutely loved humbly serving with her family at Beltway Church in the children, youth, and women’s ministry.

Melanie Brewer was and is a loving daughter, sister, wife, a faithful friend, and a mother to more than just her own children. There are countless lives touched by her faithfulness, kindness, and light. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she passed this on to her five children and shared the love of Jesus with everyone she encountered. Melanie had a deep desire to see the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, and she fulfilled that in every aspect of her life. Even into her struggle with cancer, she never once doubted the goodness and faithfulness of God.

On January 11th, 2021, surrounded by her family, she entered into the arms of the Savior whom she loves dearly.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Jacob, her five children, Brianna, Brittany, Brooklyn, Joshua and Joy; her parents, Emmett and Glenda Corker; her sister, Amy and brother-in-law, Brad Miles, and nieces, Carsen and Sadie; her sister, Amanda and brother-in-law Galen Mullins, nephews, Kyle, Cody, and Cole and niece Emma; her mother and father in-law, Jerry and Shirley Brewer; her brother and sister-in- law, Will and Micky Brewer; nephews, Austin and AJ as well as niece, Audrey; and as evident by the Pray for Melanie Facebook Group established for her another thousand extended family, friends, colleagues and co-workers who all know and love this precious daughter of God, Melanie Frances Corker Brewer.

For those who would rather, a memorial fund has been set up in Melanie’s honor supporting the Hardin Simmons University PT Department’s Medical Mission work with Joni and Friends International Disability Ministry. To donate to HSU PT Ministries in honor of Melanie, simply click on the link below and under Donation Information > Designation drop-down box, select “Melanie Brewer – PT Missions.” https://connect.hsutx.edu/donate

The family would like to encourage everyone to wear a mask to the services and honor each other.