Jean Rutherford

After realizing she was named after two uncles, she independently changed the spelling of her name to a more feminine version and was thereafter known as Jean. She was the fifth child born to the family, following George, Virginia, Betty, and Bob. Sadly, George and Virginia died in childhood, but twin boys, Jack and Jim, arrived after the birth of Jean.

All siblings but Jack preceded her in death.

Jean graduated from Teague High School in 1948, where she was a twirler and the drum major. She loved twirling the baton and there are two in her closet today. She twirled for guests at her 90th birthday party andoccasionally, while residing in assisted living, one might see her twirling in the hallway.

She graduated at age sixteen and promptly met a handsome sailor who was five years older than she. Jerry Dave Rutherford and Jean married on June 16, 1948, and enjoyed 59 years of happiness together. Daughter Cindy was born in 1950, followed by Connie in 1953. Jean found the greatest joy of her life was being a mother and homemaker. She was a skilled seamstress, a wonderful cook, and a devoted mother.

That was her primary career for eighteen years, until the editor of the Sherman Democrat asked her to apply for the position of society editor. His first interview question was “How many words a minute can you type?” Her reply, “Zero. But I can learn.” And she did; borrowing a typewriter and teaching herself, she got the job.

She later went to work at Grayson County Community College as assistant to the financial aid director. She was responsible for helping hundreds of students navigate the financial aspect of college, and in 1991 she received from the Soroptimist International of Sherman, their Humanitarian Award for “helping many achieve their goal of completing their education.” After twenty years of service, she and Jerry retired and moved to Tyler.

Jean’s devotion to her church was unsurpassed. She was a faithful member of West Erwin Church of Christ.

Just short of their 60th anniversary, Jerry died. For several years she stayed busy with church, volunteer work and family. Then Roy Fraley entered her life and they began a wonderful friendship, helping each other overcome the grief of losing a spouse.

Jean was living in Hopkins Court Assisted Living when she died. She loved the people there deeply.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings aforementioned, her husband Jerry, her companion Roy, and her daughter Connie Thornton. She is survived by Connie’s husband David; daughter Cindy Kent and husband Bill, her sisters-in-law Sue Paul and Mary Paul; and her grandchildren Carrie Kent, Chris Phelps, Zach Kent and wife Kendall, Kim Burns and husband Pat, Carly Hensley and husband Mark, Drake Thornton and wife Jenna, and Alex Thornton and wife Haley. She is also survived by great grandchildren Emma, Jake, Ryan, Max, Will, Jackson, Olivia, Lizzie, Case, Emmy, Hunter, Caden, and Addi.

Following a family burial service at Cathedral in the Pines, a memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 24 at 1pm in the chapel of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Family request memorials be made to League Street Church of Christ Food Pantry, 1100 League Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482