Desta Beal Jeffrey

Longtime Austin resident Desta Beal Jeffrey, of Austin, Texas died peacefully on October 8, 2014. She was born in Suffolk, Virginia and grew up in Hugo, Oklahoma. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman's University and a Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Desta embarked upon her career teaching home economics at Baker, O. Henry Middle School, University Junior High, and later at the University of Texas at Austin. The Eyes of Texas were always upon her: she was a proud Texas Longhorn.

Desta was married to James F. Jeffrey, Jr. from 1951 until his death in 1996.

She was an avid tennis player and also enjoyed her sewing club, bridge groups, her Westwood Ladies' Supper Club, and entertaining friends and family. Desta loved volunteering at the Settlement Home for Children and at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church where she served for many years on the Alter Guild and taught Sunday school with her late husband.

Desta is survived by her daughter, Jan Jeffrey Combs and husband Lee, and by her grandchildren, Charlie and Clare Combs. She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Jeffrey, Jr. and her sisters, Jean Richmond and Lou Wood.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Heritage at Gaines Ranch, as well as Desta's wonderful caregivers: Estella Avila, Patti Amaro, Trinidad Mendoza, Tonia Lara, Sandra Amaro, Annnie Villasana, Aurora Amaro, Liz Villanueva, and Josie Wise, who for several years provided a happy and loving environment for her.

A memorial service will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin, Texas on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Of the organizations that Desta loved, some of the ones she held most dear included The Settlement Club Home, The Helping Hand Home for Children, or Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.