Annie Mae Jewett

His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21 KJV

Mrs. Annie M. Calhoun Jewett, a beloved educator, devoted community servant, and faithful disciple of Christ, departed this life on December 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and unwavering faith. Born to the late Edward James and Mattie Bell Calhoun, Annie was one of four children raised with strong values and a commitment to service.

A proud graduate of Dogan High School in Fairfield, Texas, she continued her education at Prairie View A&M College, earning her first degree in 1964 with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. Her pursuit of knowledge was unyielding, as she went on to earn a Master of Arts in Reading from Texas Woman’s University in 1971 and completed post-graduate studies at University of North Texas (UNT), University of Texas in Arlington (UTA), Texas Christian University (TCU), and Texas Woman’s University (TWU).

For over 6 decades, Mrs. Jewett shaped countless lives as an Educator. She taught Reading and English at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus and Spanish at Terrell High School in Denton. Additionally, she served as a reading clinician and resource teacher for FWISD, demonstrating her tireless commitment to fostering literacy and learning. Upon her retirement in 2006 from Tarrant County College, she left behind a legacy of academic excellence, co-authoring two foundational texts: Reading Academic Skills for Culturally Diverse Students and College Vocabulary Skills and Strategies.

Her dedication to education earned her numerous accolades, including the Eminent Women Award for Outstanding Educator from Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Chapter, in 1996, and the Outstanding Educator Award from Texas Christian University’s Upward Bound Program in 1998. Her contributions to community service were also recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from Awareness Magazine in 1994.

In her final years, Annie continued to live her life with purpose, grounded in her mission. She participated in a cross-generational program with elders and preschoolers, where she shared her love of reading and literacy with young children. She also inspired others when she performed her favorite poem, The Creation, by James Weldon Johnson.

Beyond the classroom, Annie’s life was defined by her commitment to her faith and her community. A licensed evangelist and devoted member of East Saint Paul Baptist Church, she served as Evangelism Director, developed and taught the Discipleship Ministry, and contributed to numerous church committees, including the Trustee Board, Women’s Missionary Union, and the Christian Education Ministry. Her life was a testament to her belief in serving others and sharing God’s love. Annie was a member of several organizations, including the Texas Junior College Teachers Association, the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education, the Ft. Worth Prairie View A&M Alumni Association, Jack and Jill of America, and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Chapter.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Mr. Don Alvin Jewett Sr., with whom she shared a beautiful life of love and partnership. Together, they raised three remarkable children: Don Jewett Jr., Katrina Jewett Hammons, and Anthony Jewett, who continue to carry forward her values and legacy. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Andrew Hammons and Alexandria Anne Hammons and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. Mrs. Jewett’s extraordinary life exemplified faith, service, and a relentless passion for education. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church, and community, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched.