Jean was born on January 13, 1929, in Carlisle, Texas, to parents Clyde A. and Bessie M. (Strauch) Edgley and was the oldest of five children. She learned at an early age to cook, garden and sew. Her finesse at these homemaking skills were among many of the admirable qualities that family and friends loved.
On August 4, 1949, Jean and Ernest H. Stoerner, Jr. were married and remained so for almost 66 years until his passing in June 2015. As a homemaker and mother to four, Jean was a devoted and caring mother and stayed busy by serving as an elementary school room mother, attending sporting events and supporting her husband and children in all of their interests and activities. Her early commitment to raising a family in a Christian household began the family’s longtime membership at Memorial Baptist Church, Baytown. She served in many volunteer roles like vacation bible school teacher and choir music library secretary and remained active in the church until her health began to fail. Participating in the church’s music ministry and choir were two of Jean’s greatest joys and for many years she sat at the tip-top of Memorial’s Living Christmas Tree. Additionally, she loved singing and traveling with the church’s “Singing Saints” group. Jean’s most treasured trip was to the Holy Land. Additional travels took her to Europe and Canada.
Jean had a green thumb and could get anything to grow. She especially loved roses, azaleas, hibiscuses and bougainvilleas. She had so many that it often took an hour to water everything! She also loved to cook and some of her culinary favorites enjoyed by family were her fresh coconut cake and homemade peach preserves. Needlepoint, candlewicking and macrame were crafts that Jean enjoyed in her spare time and she gifted many with her pieces.
Jean was preceded in death by her loving Husband, Ernest; beloved Daughter and Son-in-law, Cheryl and Allen Tomlinson; much loved Grandson, Ernest Henry (Hank) Stoerner, IV; Parents and Sister, Beulah Gillespie.
She is lovingly survived by children: Ernest (Ernie) H. Stoerner, III and wife, Paula; Forrest G. Stoerner, Sr. and wife, Robin; and Connie Thibodeaux. Also surviving their Mammaw are 10 grandchildren and spouses: Jodie Meredith and husband, Jason; Christopher Tomlinson and wife, Nicole; Forrest Stoerner, Jr. and wife, Sara; Jason Stoerner and wife, Tiffany; Clint Stoerner; Brian Thibodeaux and wife, Jamie; Kalyn Perry; Laura Shrock and husband, Cale and Brianne Stoerner. Additional survivors are 17 Great-grandchildren: Troy Tomlinson and wife, Kayla, Austin Stoerner, Jaden Meredith, Taylor Tomlinson, Jacie Meredith, Tyson Tomlinson, Alyssa Stoerner, Waylon Stoerner, Maddie Stoerner, Maycie Thibodeaux, Hannah Stoerner, Jake Stoerner, Jaxon Perry, Bryson Thibodeaux, Reed Shrock, Catherine Shrock and Kylar Baudoin and 1 Great-Great Grandchild, Clyde Tomlinson. Lastly, Jean is survived by 3 siblings: Joyce Smith, Tibby Wotipka and John Edgley.
Funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Memorial Baptist Church, 600 W. Sterling, Baytown, TX 77520. A private interment will follow in Memory Gardens, Baytown.
Memorial tributes and donations can be made to: Memorial Baptist Church, 600 W. Sterling, Baytown, TX 77520 or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. James House for the loving and excellent care provided to their mother and grandmother for the last 4 years.
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