Jeanne A Ferrin

Jeanne Ferrin, family matriarch, community volunteer, geologist and golfer has passed away in her 99th year. Born in Eagle Pass, Texas to Bryant and Ruth Allen, Jeanne was raised in Laredo and Tyler, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Millsaps College before joining her sister, Ros, at the University of Texas, where both pledged Delta Gamma sorority and received degrees in geology. Ros and Jeanne were two of only 18 women granted geology degrees by UT in the late 1940’s.

While working for Gulf Oil in Amarillo, Jeanne met her future husband and fellow geologist Charles Ferrin. She continued her work for Gulf Oil in Houston, commuting from Galveston while Charlie attended medical school, and in Denver as he completed his residency. Enduring friendships formed during these years.

The couple chose to settle in Austin, an idyllic town whose scenic beauty they appreciated. Charlie opened his South Lamar general practice office, and Jeanne devoted herself to raising two daughters and serving her community. She served on the Zoning and Planning Commission of West Lake Hills and as a director of Westlake National Bank. Whether leading the altar guild at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, helping to open the Westbank Library, or serving on Toody Byrd’s guidance council at Westlake High School, Jeanne made life-long friends. She cherished her Thursday morning bridge group gals and her golfing buddies. Her family takes pride in seeing Jeanne’s name etched on the hole-in-one wall at the Butler Pitch n’ Putt clubhouse and above the used book room, named in her honor, at the Westbank Library.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings and many dear friends. Her memory will be held by daughters Flavia and husband Tim Gaskin of Austin, and Beth and husband Wayne Williams of Waco; grandchildren Katie Brownstein and husband Taylor, Charles Ryne Gaskin, Jeffrey Williams, Maddie Shorman and husband Colton, and Abby Williams; and great grandson Charlie Brownstein.

The family wishes to thank Rebecca Donnelly for her steadfast care of Jeanne during her last years and to the nursing staff of Hospice Austin. If you would like to honor Jeanne, please consider making a contribution to the Westbank Library, Hospice Austin, or to The Rosamond Allen Haertlein and Jeanne Allen Ferrin Faculty Fund benefitting The University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences, established by Jeanne’s nephew Albert Haertlein.