Dorothy Jean Jay, 88, of Bertram passed away Monday, July 26 at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center—Round Rock. She was born April 6, 1933 in Jollyville. Texas to C.V. “Jack” Sanders and Isabell Allison “Allie” Hutto Sanders. She married the love of her life, Leon Jay on Jan. 30, 1951. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters, Lois Davis, Edna Myers, Verna Crook, and Vesta Mays.
Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Christian. She took pride in her family and dedicated much of her later life to “making memories” with her grandchildren. A member of the Bertram Church of Christ, Jean was a longtime 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, avid school supporter, and was an election judge for many years. She had an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics and, with her strong, versatile voice, taught those songs to her children and grandchildren. Her creative and witty personality made her a lifelong entertainer. Jean often regaled her family with tales from her childhood and the early years of her marriage. A descendant of original settlers of Burnet and Williamson Counties, Jean was born on a ranch in Jollyville after her family temporarily relocated there during the Great Depression. She remembered vividly her family’s move back to the family ranch at Prairie Point in Burnet County, the livestock herded down the side of what is now U.S. Highway 183.
She enjoyed cooking, working in her flower beds, writing clever verses, music, and observing nature. Her husband often said Jean could find beauty where others saw none.
She is survived by her loving children, Donna Graham of McAllen, Duane Jay of Bertram, and Cheri and husband Chris Wienecke of Lometa; grandchildren, Casey Graham, Amy Stephens, Jamie Snyder, Byron Jay, Katy Haka, Cassidy Wienecke, Carson Faith Wienecke, and Camden Wienecke; great-grandchildren, Lillian Graham, Cash Graham, Luke Stephens, J.W. Haka, Eli Stephens, Aubrey Snyder, Holden Snyder, Kooper Haka and Ty Stephens; sisters-in-law, Rachel Marie Holland, Wilma Jackson, and Joyce Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at the Bertram Church of Christ with Ronnie Brooks officiating. Interment will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery in Bertram. Honoring Jean as pallbearers are Casey Graham, Camden Wienecke, Byron Jay, Scott Snyder, Bradley Stephens, and Wesley Haka.
Condolences and fond memories may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com
