Jean Warner, a resident of Austin for 36 years, died peacefully in her home on Friday, August 5, 2005, having spent her last days at home under hospice care surrounded by family and friends. Like so much of her life, these days were filled with the things most important to her: love, warm fellowship, laughter, and music. As she often said, she was truly blessed with many good friends and a close and loving family. She gave generously of herself and received much in return. She will be sorely missed by many people, while her spirit has inspired all who knew her to embrace and celebrate life to its fullest extent. Jean was born February 13, 1914, in Wellington, Kansas, to Everette and Lucile Mitchell. One of her favorite reminiscences was of how her frequent illnesses as a child led her doctor to tell her mother that she would never reach maturity. Even at ninety years of age, Jean would deadpan, and I still havent. In 1932 she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Wellington High School, where she also had the lead in the senior play and served as editor of the school newspaper. During her school years she honed her considerable musical skills as a solo pianist and accompanist, talents she used to bring joy to others throughout her life. Following graduation from high school, Jean attended business school in Tulsa, OK, after which she worked as the secretary to the president of The Hunter Mill Company in Wellington. In 1939 she married her long-time high school sweetheart, Bill Warner, and the newlyweds began their life together in Texas, where Bill worked in the construction industry. After a number of moves within the state, the couple settled in San Angelo, Texas in 1948, and lived there until moving to Austin in 1969. In Austin, Bill continued in the construction business and Jean taught piano lessons to children and adults in their home. In both San Angelo and Austin, Jean was very active as a member of her local Methodist church, in music circles, and in service organizations. She and husband Bill were named Most Worthy Citizens in 1987 by the Austin Realtors Association in recognition of their extensive volunteer work on behalf of senior citizens. At Tarrytown Methodist Church in Austin, Jean was a founder of the Christian Adult Fellowship, a member of the senior choir, and a frequent accompanist for the childrens choir and Adult Sunday School. A member of the board of Austin Caregivers, she also delivered Meals on Wheels to Austins elderly citizens. Until very recently she played the piano biweekly for residents of the Austin State School for the Developmentally Disabled. Survivors include son David Warner and his wife Mary Beekman of Belmont, MA; daughter, Karen Martin of Lockhart, TX; brother Phil Mitchell and his wife Lu Mitchell of Kansas City, MO; sister Barbara Matley and her husband Jay Matley of Austin; sister Donna Cannicott Davis of Laguna Beach, CA; grandsons Clint and Marty Martin, and Andrew and Rob Warner; and great-grandchildren Melek and Metin Martin. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005, at Tarrytown Methodist Church in Austin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tarrytown Methodist Church in Austin, The First Methodist Church in San Angelo, or Robinson Creek Hospice in Austin. Obituary and guestbook available online at wcfish.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5