Jeanne Dwelle Waters

Jeanne Dwelle was born in the Panama Canal Zone while her father Earl C Dwelle (nickname Red) worked as an engineer on the canal. Her mother was Alba Hollenshead (nickname Stub), and there were her brothers Earl and Richard also in the Zone. Her childhood ranged from Panama to western Canada to the mid-west and ultimately to Dallas, Texas as Red moved for various jobs.

After high school Jeanne attended and graduated from college based on a dare and a bet from her father. Ultimately, she continued her education to become an occupational therapist. Her first job was in Boston where she became engaged to a symphony musician. On a trip home to Dallas to finalize her wedding plans, Jeanne was introduced to Lindsley “Buster” Waters. Following seven dates in three weeks she had to write her fiancee a dear John letter. By the time it had been posted, Jeanne and Bus were married and began their passionate love affair of over fifty years.

During WWII Jeanne traveled by train between California where Buster was stationed in the Army Air Corp and back to Dallas for the birth of their first two children. Following the war the Waters family moved to Skyline Farm south of Dallas for several years where two more children were born. The family spent a few years in the city before once again living the country life on Forest Lane on 25 acres of farmland. There were cows to be milked, fields to plow, horses to ride and chickens whose eggs supplied Jeanne with her “play money.” These days the old farm property is part of the Dallas city limits! The family moved back into central Dallas as the children matured in their school experiences.

No matter where the house might be located, Jeanne operated an open door policy for all their friends and family and friends of their friends. Although Jeanne was not passionate about culinary artistry, she orchestrated numerous gatherings for family and friends to enjoy the decorative tables and bountiful menus of very good food that did not require Julia Childs skills. For over fifty years their group of friends met monthly for Supper Club, Hamburger Club (the more budget friendly food group), Sewing Club, Book Club and who knows how many others. Even the serviceable sounding Sewing Club became the “ladies who lunch and gossip” after they stopped mending the children’s clothes.

Not to think every day was spent in frivolity, you should know she aided and assisted so many of her family and friends as they needed help driving to a doctor appointment or a helping hand of any sort. She volunteered in political avenues and through all the school years of her children. She admitted the school cafeteria was a favorite place because she could eat the tasty hot yeast rolls.

Jeanne was lady like but enjoyed laughter, a good joke and a strong martini. She was warm, welcoming and open-minded while holding you to a certain level of behavior and civility. She was generous with her time, spirit and even cash while she washed plastic bags and aluminum foil for re-use. Her artistic talents ranged from interior design to wood carving to needlework to sewing clothes for family and dragon costumes for Halloween. She turned cartwheels in the kitchen and could sing Cab Calloway songs, not necessarily at the same time. She literally could do it all!

To Jeanne with love and lots of good memories from her family past, present and future__including Jeanne’s children and their spouses: Priscilla (& Sid), Lindsley (& Barbara), Penelope (& Bill), Pamela (& Dick) and grandchildren David, Melissa, Jim, Lin, Christopher, Sophia, Will, Matt and their families to include twelve great grandchildren (at latest count!). The extended family of many cousins and good friends also share in the love and fond memories.