Betty Jane Coon (nee Jiricik) of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on February 5, 2019. She was born to the late Jerry Frank and Bettie Maresh Jircik in Port Arthur, Texas on November 4, 1927. She spent most of her childhood with her siblings in Rosenberg, Texas, where she graduated from Rosenberg High School in 1945. She received a Diploma in Nursing from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1948 and worked as a Registered Nurse for over 50 years. She was on the nursing staff at several hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, and later cared for patients as a private duty nurse and served on the board of directors of the Bureau of Registry Nurses of Harris County. She also served as Medical Staff Supervisor at the Harris County Youth Village in Seabrook, from where she retired in 1998. In addition to providing outstanding nursing care to patients, she also helped care for several family members during times of extended illness.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Jerry Felix Jircik, Frank Paul Jircik, Lillie Lindsay, Marie Strahan, Martha Ernst, Johnny Jircik and Jimmy Jircik, as well as her son Michael Wayne Coon. She is survived by her children Laura Lee Thomas (and husband Terry) and Alan Blaine Coon (and wife Elizabeth), her grand-daughter Sheila Lee Thomas, and her sister-in-law Ann Jircik.
Betty was an avid seamstress, crafting clothing for her family as they grew, and later for her grand-daughter. She regularly produced elaborate and beautiful Christmas and other seasonal decorations with her sewing skills. After the nest was empty, gardening became a long time hobby for her, and she particularly enjoyed growing roses. She also loved singing, and participated in the choirs of the various Episcopal churches she regularly attended. She was always quick to join a sing-a-long or even perform her own short solos, and she delighted in family Christmas caroling at the piano. She was perpetually cheerful, sharing an infectious smile and wave with all passers-by, and always quick with a warm compliment for those she engaged in conversation. Her unfailing generosity and love for family and friends was fueled by her keen ability to look for and see the best in others. She made many friends throughout her life and at her retirement community, and she will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests service or donations in her name to a charity or organization that is meaningful to you.
Visitation is scheduled Saturday, February 16, 2019, from 9am – 10am. The funeral service will be at 10am, immediately following the visitation, both at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas. She will be laid to rest at Forest Park / Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023 after her funeral service.
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