Jean Dillard Worsham

Jean Dillard Worsham, born in Orange, Texas, July 2, 1929, died March 30, 2009. After growing up in Bonham, Texas, and graduating from Bonham High School at age 15, she attended North Texas State College and received bachelor's and master's degrees in Spanish. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, William A. Worsham, daughters, Margaret Worsham Musgrove and Jane Worsham Starnes, her sons-in-law Steve Starnes and John Musgrove, and grandchildren Elaine, Rebecca, and Jason Musgrove. For over a decade, Jean taught Spanish in Abilene and Austin and for over 20 years taught English as a Second Language at the Texas Intensive English Program. Jean had a lifelong curiosity about foreign countries and cultures; as a young teacher, she spent her summers traveling and studying in Europe and Mexico. For many years, she befriended international students at TIEP, where she became a mentor to other teachers, a friend to hundreds of students, and an innovator in the field of ESL. She participated in many organizations, including the American Association of University Women, the Pan-American Round Table, and the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. In retirement, Jean continued to pursue learning and education through Great Books groups and Lifetime Learning classes, where she became, once more, a student and teacher of Spanish. For fifty years, she and husband Bill have been devoted members of University United Methodist Church, where they faithfully supported the church's missions and maintained deep friendships. Jean took unlimited pride in her daughters' academic and professional accomplishments. She showered her three grandchildren with affection, support, and enthusiasm. Through her illness, Jean kept a positive outlook, a gentle spirit, and a sense of humor that lightened the burdens of everyone around her. She was deeply grateful to all of her friends who helped her and kept up her spirits, including her friends at UUMC, Lifetime Learning, Dexter, the Foreign Cuisine group, and Pan-American Round Table. Funeral services will be held at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705 at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2009. Parking will be available in the Platinum Parking lot at 25th and Guadalupe. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.