Palestine High School Alumni Association

10 / 13 / 1928  –  04 / 09 / 2014

Billie Jean Redwine Handorf passed away in Rockport, TX on April 9, 2014, following a recent decline in health. Viewing will be at 12:00pm and funeral services will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, April 12, at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home Chapel, 207 S. Magnolia in Palestine. Burial will follow at Fort Houston Cemetery.

Jean was born, the eldest of four children, on October 13, 1928 in Albany, TX to Henry Cody Redwine and Hazel Collier Redwine. The family eventually joined other relatives in Palestine, TX, where Jean acquired many friendships and happy memories. She married her high school sweetheart, John Henry Handorf, Jr. on September 28, 1945, and she was welcomed to the Handorf family by Henry’s mother, Dora Morton Handorf, and other family members.

The couple moved to Pasadena, TX in 1954. Ever dedicated to family and friends, Jean filled the next few decades with the joys and responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. Jean did not hesitate to take on the occasional part-time job or to become involved with the many demands and activities of family and community. A talented seamstress, she sewed many of her own and her daughters’ garments, doll wardrobes, dance costumes, choir robes, even prom and wedding gowns. She was a ready assistant for crafting projects with her eldest daughter Linda, helping to produce numerous personalized dolls, gifts and fundraising items. She was invaluable as a team mother, scout leader, camp counselor, caterer and chauffeur. Her endeavor eventually encompassed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always providing loving support and guidance, and receiving endless love, appreciation, and hugs and kisses in return.

A long time member of Pasadena Boulevard Methodist Church in Pasadena, she was active in the United Methodist Women’s Association and enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School for over ten years. She then transferred her membership to Westwood Methodist Church, formerly Holmes Chapel. She played a major supporting role to Henry’s part-time business endeavors, especially his electronic repair services. Later in life, Henry and Jean transformed a part-time woodworking hobby into another very successful home business; where he designed and produced customized wood products and accessories, and she put on the finishing touches, whether it was stain and varnish or novelty painting.

Following Henry’s death in 1988, Jean returned to a simpler life at the Handorf farm in Palestine, to be near her sister Louise and former friends. She loved the solitude of her home, gardening, and communing with the birds and wildlife which surrounded her. She was grateful to be able to help care for her beloved aunt and uncle, Ann and Martin Redwine, in their final days. During the latter years of her life, Jean became reunited with Bob Foster, a childhood friend, and had many happy days with him before his sudden death. In October 2013, Jean began an extended visit to Rockport, TX where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Linda.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, John Henry Handorf, Jr., her sister Louise Redwine Spaith, special friend Bob Foster, and grand-son-in-law Randy Bowdoin.

She is survived by her two brothers, Jack Redwine of Burleson, TX and Harold Redwine of Deer Park, TX, numerous nieces and nephews, and her three children, daughters Linda Sumner (Jim) of Rockport, TX and Carolyn McLane (Rex) of Austin, TX, and son Michael Handorf (Cindy) of Pasadena, TX. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren – the light of her life – include Jean Sumner (Marshall), son Emerson and daughter Juniper; Maggie Fowler (Jerald); Anne Wolney (Chris); Jeff Stone (Carol); Rachel Stone, daughter Ginger and son Jasper; Brett Stone (Katy), son Leo; and Michelle Handorf Bowdoin, sons Cody, Andrew and Ethan.

We love and miss you already, Granny – you live on in each of us.

Bailey Foster Funeral Home Website – 04 / 10 / 2014