Jewell Dean Rumsey

DENISON - Jewell Dean Rumsey, age 87, passed away at Bellbrook Cottage in Pottsboro, Texas on Friday, May 29, 2015.

The family will be at Bratcher Funeral Home for visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 3, 2015.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shawn Wallace officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Todd Rumsey, Brian Rumsey, Steve Rumsey, Chris Miller, Brian Barber and Caleb Copeland.

Jewell Dean was born on October 3, 1927 to Walter and Ethel Kirby in Eufaula, Oklahoma. She attended East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas and taught for Stidham, Oklahoma public schools prior to her marriage. On April 14, 1947, she married Willie (Bill) Rumsey in Denison, Texas. They made their home in Savannah, Oklahoma where they were blessed with four children: Rocky, Paul, Robert and Karla. In 1956, Bill, Jewell and their children moved to Denison, Texas, where she began her career as a bookkeeper working for Danielson Construction Company, Lilly’s Department Store, and J. B. Simms Home Builder. Jewell also faithfully served as a pastor’s wife to the many community churches in Texas and Oklahoma where her husband Bill served as a pastor. Additionally, she served as a church pianist, choir member, Sunday school teacher and in other positions with each church where God used her talents.

In 1970, Bill and Jewell retired, moving to their farm in Hannah, Oklahoma. She enjoyed the open country life, raising cattle, gardening and nature. While there, she worked for the State of Oklahoma as a Social Worker. Later, they moved to Stidham, Oklahoma where they built a new home together and continued to enjoy rural life while enjoying frequent visits from their children and grandchildren.

In the late 1980’s, Jewell and Bill returned to the Denison area where they continued to reside for the remainder of their lives. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Jewell and Bill were married for 54 years before his passing in 2001.

During her recent battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the caretakers and fellow residents at Bellbrook Cottage in Pottsboro, Texas were her second family. They provided exemplary care during this difficult time. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Sheila Johnson, Anna Guest, and Michelle Buchanan.

Jewell is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ethel Kirby, her husband Bill Rumsey, son Paul Rumsey, grandson Jonathan Miller and a host of loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jewell, as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, shall be forever remembered in the hearts of her children: son Rocky Rumsey and wife Diana of Sherman, Texas, son Robert Rumsey and wife Sherry of Denison, Texas, daughter Karla Miller and husband Ralph of Lampasas, Texas; grandchildren Melanie Rumsey, Todd Rumsey (Sheila), Angela Barber (Brian), Kimberly Copeland (Caleb), Brian Rumsey (Heather), Steve Rumsey (Nikki), Chris Miller (Courtney), L. Michelle Wallace (Shawn) and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Jamon Kirby and wife Clay of Tyler, Texas, sisters-in-law Patsy Rumsey of Moore, Oklahoma and Madelyn Rumsey of McAlester, Oklahoma, aunts Robbie Cowan and Myra Wilks of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a host of cousins, nieces and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bellbrook Cottage, 268 Denison Dr., Pottsboro, TX 75076 or Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1900 Juanita Dr., Denison, TX 75020