Renee Renka Alexander

renee alexander

October 30, 1946 ~ February 16, 2023

Born in: Athens, Georgia
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Renee (Renka) Alexander, 76, of Asheville, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Four Seasons Hospice, Flat Rock, NC.

Born in Athens, GA, she was the wife of Roger Allan Alexander, of Asheville, and the daughter of the late John Ivan Renka, Jr and Jane (Bridges) Renka.

She was a member of Central Methodist Church, Asheville, and a former member of Lake Toxaway Methodist Church.

An avid Bulldogs fan, Renee received her BA Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia, and her Master’s degree in Counseling from Troy State. Along with her husband, she was able to see the world thanks to his 30-year military career and her zest for travel.

Renee had a heart for others and was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, the homeless, the hungry, and anyone else who needed help in having their voices heard. She wanted all people to receive equal justice, and strived to make the world a better place.

She loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking (before it was cool), gardening, and nature in general. Renee sponsored the Asheville Stamp Club at Deerfield.

In addition to her husband of 55 years, she is survived by a daughter, Robin Kinkead and her husband Todd of South Riding, VA; two grandchildren: Ashley and Carter; two brothers: John Ivan Renka, III, and David Mars Renka (Elisabetta); and many loving extended family members.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Graveside Service: February 18, 2023 2:00 pm

Oconee Hill Cemetery
297 Cemetery Street
Athens, GA 30605


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Guestbook

  1. To Renee and Roger,

    “We love the nights we can’t remember with the friends we can’t forget.”
    Rest in peace, Renee. We shall miss you.

    Love, Georganne and Cliff

  2. I had the pleasure of being Renee’s hairstylist and friend the last few years. I truly enjoyed my time with her.

    My prayers are with Roger and her beloved family. I hope knowing that others delighted in Renee bring you comfort.

    • Thank you so much for bringing in the hot water from home to do her hair when the water was out. It meant so much to her that you cared that deeply!

  3. Renee was a light and a dear, sweet friend.
    Everyone who knew her will feel such a loss.
    So happy for her to be at peace now.

  4. We loved Roger and Renee very much all those years in Toxaway and have missed them so much since we moved. I had many wonderful times with Renee over the years hiking all over those wonderful mountains. She would go with me when nobody else would. We had many wonderful talks over the years. A spark has gone out of this world with her gone, but I have to say, she was a valiant fighter and didn’t succumb to the cancer she had for a very long time. Roger, our prayers are with you as I know half your life is now gone. We love you and pray for the very best for you without her. Bunk and I will be going through the same thing one of these days. Praying for God’s riches blessings on all of you in the days and months to come.

    • I remember all her fun stories of your hiking group. You guys did some crazy stuff! Mom and Dad had lots of fun times with you both and I’m grateful Lake Toxaway was such a wonderful community for them. We definitely feel God’s hand in the quick end of her war with cancer and are grateful she is at peace. I imagine her gathering all her lives ones in heaven for a cocktail party to catch them up on all the news.
      Thank you for your note.

  5. So thankful for all the good years we had at Lake Toxway with you guys. And Roger, our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.

  6. We enjoyed knowing Renee, and you, Roger, as well, and are sorry for the suffering from illness she had to endure. We admire her enormous strength and courage, and our prayers are with you, Roger.

  7. Such a long battle and she fought it so bravely. I admired her greatly. Sorry for your loss Roger and to the whole family my sympathies.

  8. Remembering the hours and days playing golf, traveling, partying, talking and sharing. Roger, you and Renee have truly been most giving to all you know. You will be missed so much special friend. We love you.

  9. Roger,
    You and Renee were wonderful neighbors and fun Friends. You are missed at Lake Toxaway and will always be a part of the East Shore group in our hearts. We long time “Toxawayans” will not forget the many wonderful times together.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Kathy

  10. There are people who leave a hole in the world when they are gone. Renee was such a person. When healthy she was cheerful, thoughtful and engaged; when terminally ill she was still cheerful, thoughtful and engaged. She was an example of how we should all live our lives when our sun is overhead and when our sun is setting.
    Roger, our prayers are with you and your family.

  11. Joy and kindness always radiated from Renee, bringing an aura of happiness to every occasion where she was present. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to share time, joy and fun with her.
    With love to all her family,
    Alex and Lisa Alexander

  12. Renee was a joy to all who knew her. She was always willing to help me when I had cancer. She was a fine golfer and so much fun to play with. She will be missed!!

  13. Renee was a joy in every way. She touched many lives and will be missed by everyone who knew her. Her spirit was contagious and she was a beautiful example of Christian love.

  14. How very special to have the opportunity to know Renee and you, Roger! She spread joy, fun, and happiness like thick molasses. I could hit the golf ball a foot in front of me and Renee would say, “what a beautiful swing!” The glass was always half full with both of you.
    We love you, Ellie and Buddy

  15. We will surely miss Sweet Renee and pray for Roger’s strength and healing at this time.
    She is out of suffering, with her Lord, and waiting to welcome the rest of us in time.
    God bless you, Renee. Your indomitable spirit inspires us.

  16. Roger
    From the very beginning we always said Roger and Renee as of it was just one word. A light and a gift to all of us has left this world
    Our laughs and memories we will have forever.

  17. Renee distinguished herself in so manys. The way we will most remember her by is that her arms were ALWAYS open to welcome others and to help them feel part of the Lake Toxaway community. She always made everyone feel welcome. SAhe enriched our lives. We feel blessed to know her and to have been the recipient of her never ending love. Thank you Roger for sharing her with us.

    • Renee distinguished herself in so many ways. The way we will most remember her by is that her arms were ALWAYS open to welcome others and to help them feel part of the Lake Toxaway community. She always made everyone feel welcome. She enriched our lives. We feel blessed to know her and to have been the recipient of her never ending love. Thank you Roger for sharing her with us.

      Reply

  18. Dear Roger,
    From the first day I met Renee, I knew she was a “mover and a shaker.” Renee always had a smile and a joy inside of her that beamed out when one was in her company, and that light never left her. God has taken her home where she has received her full healing, where there are no more tears or pain, resting in the Fathers’ care. Praying you sense that same care and comfort from the love of family and friends around you now.
    Annie

  19. Roger and family, so sorry to hear about Renee. We were proud AHS ‘64 graduates together and she always had the biggest smile and kindest heart of any of us – the room warmed up when she appeared! She will be greatly missed. Prayers coming your way, Saranne

  20. Roger and Robin,
    So sorry that we can’t be with you today as we are in Michigan. Our love and thoughts are with you as you say god speed to one of the bravest woman I have ever known and my “oldest friend”. Love you, Maria and Sam

  21. A great lady has left us, but we are the lucky ones to have known and loved her. She lived her life on her terms and went out the same way. We will miss her and her joy and lust for life.
    Rob and Sandy Freeman

  22. Roger,
    Renee was a lovely person, both inside and out. She was always so cheerful and kind. We hope your memories and faith will sustain and comfort you during this difficult time.

  23. Renee was a beautiful person (inside & out). Her kind & generous soul was a delight to enjoy. Renee’s smile was contagious and made everyone feel at ease & welcome. Roger, our prayers 🙏are with you & your family. God’s Blessings. Love you

  24. While our hearts are heavy with the loss of Renee, we are at peace she is healed and at peace. She never knew a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel connected. Her smile, love, generosity and enthusiasm for life is an example for us all. The many memories; especially one special Toxaway NYE, will be cherished forever.
    Roger, our prayers for peace and comfort will be said daily for you and your family. You were a very loving and caring partner to Renee.

  25. It has been such a blessing to know Renee and Roger. She had a smile on her face always. Roger will miss his side kick! Gary and I haven’t been there much in the past few years but will always have our memories!!God is good!

  26. How lucky we were to have known this kind, caring lady who was such an inspiration to so many people. Renee and Roger were loved members of the Lake Toxaway community, and the LTUMC and Eddy and I feel fortunate to have shared some great times with such a fun couple. Renee was an amazing friend to my Mom as she struggled with her cancer, and her endless care and love was such a gift for my family. Renee will be missed and Roger will continue to be loved and supported by their many friends. Rest well my friend, you deserve it!

  27. “We’ll be seeing you
    In all the old familiar places
    That this heart of mine embraces
    Some day soon.”
    You loved us and we loved you back. This is what my heart knows.
    Roger, we will hold you close as you move forward in life’s journey.

  28. Roger, I’m so sorry for your loss. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

  29. Dear sweet Alexander family Renee was so very easy to love because she loved so easily. What a treat to have known her all my life. She is literally the reason I am alive at all! I know that countless other’s lives have been forever changed just by being near her. We love you so much and lifting you up in prayer.

  30. Renee was kind, loving and a beautiful person.
    I a blessed to have known her!
    My sympathies to you Roger and your family.
    Charlene Nassif

  31. You were great neighbors at Maxwell AFB. Everyone loves the Vidalia Dip you both introduced us to.
    Saddened for your loss.


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