Palestine High School Alumni Association

00 / 00 / 0000  –  07 / 21 / 2012

Jean M. Williams, 86, of Tyler, went home to be with the Lord on July 21, 2012. She was born in Palestine, Texas, where she spent the majority of her life dedicated to educating and teaching. She taught all ages – from elementary through junior college.  Opportunities to share her enthusiasm and breadth of knowledge for playing bridge, poker, bingo, and many other games of wit and wisdom, were enjoyed by many throughout the years. Her accomplishments of a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, Waco, Texas on May 31, 1948, and a Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin, Nacogdoches, Texas, on May 18, 1968, provided a wealth of experiences from which to educate, entertain, and enlighten.

She married Kelse James (“K.J.”) Williams Jr.  on June 7, 1952 at First Baptist Church in Palestine. He preceded her in death on June 21, 2011.

She leaves behind two daughters, Karen Jean Lucas of Tyler, and Kelse Jan Barton and her husband Don B. Barton Jr.  of Key Largo Fla. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Don B. Barton III and Kimberly Kelse Barton, both of Key Largo, Fla., as well as two great-grandchildren, Cameron Scott-Quire Melton and Don B. Barton IV. In addition, she leaves behind her brother, John Floyd Morris of Palestine; and two nieces, Renee Morris of Round Rock and Lana Scully of Pearland.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Homer R. Morris Sr. and Lora Coker Morris; her younger brother, Homer R. Morris Jr.; and sister-in-law, Norma Lane Morris; and one nephew, Renley Morris.

Jean was an avid educator, and enjoyed her hobbies of reading, traveling, sewing and cooking. One of her passions was the art of playing bridge and her social circles were challenged by her savvy card playing and making those all-or-nothing bids. She was active in a number of women’s clubs and gave back to the community through her service and association with Harvey Woman’s Club and Newcomers Club. In retirement, she joined K.J. in selling real estate with Century 21, and traveling with friends throughout the U.S. borders and Canada.

On Friday, July 27, 2012, Jean’s friends and family will honor her with a visitation time from 2 to 3 p.m. and a memorial service from 3 to 4 p.m. at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jean’s name to the following charities: Green Acres Baptist Church Missions, Tyler, Texas; Baylor University Scholarship Programs through the Alumni Association, Waco, Texas; and Hospice of East Texas, Tyler, Texas; or charity of your choice.

Jean’s philosophy of life was to love deeply, share richly that which the Lord has provided, and always keep your eye on your opponent’s cards around the bridge and poker table. She lived well and blessed others as her Lord and Master led her.

To view online or sign the guestbook, go to www.herringtonfuneral.com or www.tylerpaper.com.