Obituary of Rebecca Train Stimson

Rebecca Jane Train Stimson March 16, 1925-January 23, 2021 Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Rebecca Bryant Train and LeRoy Charles Train, Sr. The 3rd of four children, and a mere 3lbs at birth, Becky was carried around by her father on a pillow, according to family legend. A graduate of The Girls’ Preparatory School and Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, Becky married Thomas Frederick Stimson on September 26, 1947. Tom had recently returned from WWII service in Europe, only to discover Becky was no longer some friend’s little sister. Predeceased by her siblings, Mary Josephine, LeRoy Charles, Jr. and Phyllis Train and by her husband, Tom, Becky proved to be a survivor. Low birth weight, separation from Tom during the Korean War with their young children in her care, a stroke, a broken hip, loss of grandchildren, macular degeneration all slowed her but she searched and found a peace in her world. Her legacy will always be her loving nature. Her four children depended on her. She knew how to support with a light hand that encouraged independence. Indeed, she seemed placed on this earth to care for children. first her beloved own, and then generations of 4th graders in her classes at Rivermont School and The Bright School. Most recently her grandchildren brought a special joy and finally several great grandchildren complemented the last 40 years of her long life. She had a remarkable ability to know what each child needed whether verbalized or not. She was calm and consistent, providing guidance and insight. She was also a great photographer of her favorite subject her grandchildren. On the floor with them she captured many moments which are still enjoyed in their framed positions in her children’s homes. A voracious reader and lover of history, she was quick to escape into a good novel or historical fiction. She readily shared this passion and instilled in her children the thrill of discovery through reading. Above all she was kind which drew people to her. It was at this point that friends realized her strength and wisdom. Becky is survived by her four children: Susan Stimson Peak (Dan Minor) of Durham NC, Robert Moreton Stimson II of Chattanooga, Thomas LeRoy Stimson (Paula) of Chattanooga, Rebecca Easley Stimson (Tom Jenkins) of Chattanooga; Grandchildren: Charles Hunter Peak (Cassiana) of Vitoria, ES, Brazil, Lee Eldridge Minor (Michelle Brawner) of Brooklyn, New York, Margaret Royal Minor of Atlanta, Georgia, Robert Moreton Stimson III of Louisville, Kentucky, Jennifer Lee Stimson of Chattanooga, Rachel Brooke Stimson Hanson (Daniel) of Chattanooga, Sarah Lane Stimson of Middletown, Ohio, Meagan Isom Babb (Kevin) of Birmingham, Alabama, Ryan James Debacker of Atlanta, Georgia, Bryant Clark Jenkins of Boston, Massachusetts, Rebecca Hagan Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia. Great Grandchildren: Clara de Moura Peak, Nicolas de Moura Peak, Haley Brooke Hanson, Cole Thomas Hanson, Kevin Cooper Babb, Hudson Joseph Babb & Griffin Larry Babb;step-daughter, Bree K. White, step-grandson, James K. White IV and numerous nieces and nephews and a special first cousin, Alma Bond Bryant of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. Wann Funeral Home is assisting the family. Becky is interred with Tom at National Cemetery in the year they would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. A private family service at National Cemetery celebrated her life.