Jean Verneuil McLeod

Jean Verneuil McLeod went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the age of 91. She was born on August 14, 1932 in New Orleans, where she lived until her late 20’s. She spent the rest of her years in Texas, the last 51 years in the Forest Cove/Kingwood area. Jean was very proud of her New Orleans roots and upbringing. She famously called loved ones “dawlin” and loved all things LSU, where she met the love of her life, Ralph.

Jean was an avid reader, gardener, genealogist, birder, and, in her later years, she loved working jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed these activities when she wasn’t busy shepherding her children to a ball game, swim meet, or other activities. She stayed actively involved with the many pursuits of her children and later with her grandchildren. She loved to host and prepare elaborate meals for her family and friends. It was a certainty that no one ever left her home hungry.

Jean will always be remembered for her warmth, kindness, hospitality, love of animals, and selfless volunteerism. In 1985, she was awarded the City of Houston Mayor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, recognizing her many years serving as the volunteer activities director at St. Dominic Nursing and Retirement Home in Houston, Texas. In 2013, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Houston Public Library Office of Volunteer Services for her work at Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. Jean also volunteered for many years at the Northwest Houston YMCA, Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, Mercer Botanic Gardens, and was also very active in the Houston Bromeliad Society. Jean was involved in the early establishment of the Forest Cove Swim Team and was on the board of directors of the Northwest Aquatic League. She was instrumental in the development of the Kingwood Area Emergency Medical Services Association (KAEMSA) and served as a volunteer dispatcher for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jules and Louise Verneuil, and her husband of 56 years, Ralph Russell McLeod. Jean is survived by her children Russ McLeod (Denise), Mac McLeod (Dylan), Jules McLeod (Brigitte), Marie McLeod Vukovics (John), and Amy McLeod Conroy (William). She is survived by her grandchildren Matthew McLeod (Chelsea), Kayci McLeod, Sydney Conroy Riendeau (Jesse), Elizabeth Vukovics (and fiancé Antonio), Kristen McLeod, Olivia Conroy, Katie Vukovics and Lauren Vukovics. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Joy Cowen and Suzanne McLeod and their families.

Although we miss her deeply, we are comforted knowing that she is with her beloved Ralph and parents. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit shall forever guide us. Rest in Peace Dawlin!

Visitation will be held at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Houston, Texas on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 20, 2023, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, Texas 77365. Interment following the Mass will be at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Jean's dedication to service, donations may be made to Pets Alive https://www.houstonpetsalive.org/ or Friends of Mercer Botanic Gardens https://friendsofmercer.com/.