Jeanne Richey Amacker

JEANNE RICHEY AMACKER, 94, of Lakeway, TX passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 12, 2013. She and her husband Clayton Miller "Buddy" Amacker who predeceased her, enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. Their children include: Jeanne Browning and husband Robert of San Antonio; Joanie Haley and husband Donald of Houston; Judy Leavell of Austin; and Clayton Amacker, Jr. and wife Hilary of Lakeway. She was a caring mother who was "always there" for each of them and delighted in her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren whom she showered with love and devotion.

Jeanne was the youngest daughter born in San Antonio to Corinne Lucille Cartledge and Robert Augustus Richey (both graduates of UT- starting a 4 generation tradition). Her sisters were Dorothy Archer, Catherine Flannery and Eloise Wyatt.

At age 16, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School where she was elected Belle of the Senior Class. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education, was a Bluebonnet Belle nominee and joined Pi Beta Phi Sorority of which she was a member for over 75 years, receiving her Diamond Award pin. At UT she met the love of her life, Buddy Amacker. They married on September 3, 1940 after she served as a reporter for the Society Editor of the San Antonio Light where she covered social events and style shows.

She was a Duchess in the San Antonio Fiesta as was her daughter Jeanne Browning, and grand-daughter Sarah Browning Griffin. Jeanne enjoyed many reunion celebrations with her coronation group.

Jeanne and Buddy lived for 30 years in Beaumont, TX where they were Charter Members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Jeanne was an active community volunteer with PTAs, Spindletop Charity Horse Show, Neches River Festival and served as President of the Beaumont Pi Beta Phi alumnae group.

They moved to Houston for the next 30 years where she continued her active involvement with church and community activities, including serving as President of Houston Pi Phi Alumnae group twice. In their retirement years, they loved traveling, dancing at the Petroleum Club and Colony Club, entertaining family and friends in their Lakeway home, and attending many grandchildrens' activities.

Jeanne will always be remembered for her integrity, warm smile, beauty, gracious hospitality, kindness to all, appreciation of nature, devotion to family and friends, and active participation in the lives of her loved ones.

Special thanks to eight-year caregiver Elizabeth Marek and caregivers from Halcyon Homes, who were excellent in their concern and attention. Special gratitude is also extended by all the family to Clayton Amacker, Jr., Jeanne's only son, who visited his mother on a daily basis, taking especially good care of her during her waning years.

A celebration of Jeanne's life will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 2 PM at the Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis Events Center, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX, 78734 with a reception following in the Magnolia Room. Prior to this, family and friends will gather for an internment service at 10 AM in San Antonio at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, 78218 with the Reverend Carolyn Browning Helsel presiding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The University of Texas at Austin Jeanne Richey Amacker Endowed Scholarship in Education, PO Box 7458, Austin, TX 78713-7458; Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis, PO Box 342436, Lakeway, TX 78734; St. Edward's University, 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704; or a charity of your choice.