Jean Ann Terry was born on March 17, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away as Jean Bryant on March 29, 2026, shortly after celebrating
her 88th birthday. She was the third of six children born to James Wyatt Terry and Mildred Donna Terry.
She was preceded in death by her parents James and Mildred Terry, her brothers, Buck, David, Bill, her
sister Mary Ellen and daughter Pamela.
Family was everything to Jean. When reminiscing about her childhood, she often spoke of growing up in the "Bottoms" of Fort Worth during
the 1940s- flood-prone communities nestled between the railroad tracks and the Trinity River. She shared stories of the Depression and how
her father worked any job he could find to provide for the family. One story she loved to tell was about Mr. Kent, a Cadillac dealership owner
who took a liking to her parents and made a point to help her father find work whenever possible.
As times improved, her parents were able to purchase three acres of land in town, across from an elementary school. With the family growing,
her grandfather built a home piece by piece until it was large enough to house them all. That property remains in the hands of a family friend
to this day.
One of the most defining and tragic moments of Jean's early life was the loss of her sister, Mary Ellen. At just 17, Mary Ellen married, became
pregnant, and gave birth around the same time their mother welcomed her youngest son, David. Tragically, Mary Ellen passed away the day
after giving birth. Her husband, feeling too young to raise the baby alone, entrusted the child to Jean's parents. This loss deeply impacted Jean,
and she carried her sister's memory with her throughout her life, often sharing her story.
Jean spent her first 20 years in Fort Worth, where she married and had her first child, Pam Anderson. Her first husband served in the Armed
Forces, which meant frequent moves. After their divorce, Jean raised Pam with the help of her parents. She later began working in Dallas at
Bond's Men's Clothing Store, starting in sales and eventually moving into the accounting department- where she met her future husband and
father of her second child, Tom Bryant.
In 1968, Jean and her husband moved to Alief, Texas, where they raised their family. Some of the most cherished memories include time spent
gardening together- something she truly loved- as well as family vacations to Colorado, where they dreamed of one day living in the country.
Once her children were in school full-time, Jean returned to work at Texas Instruments, where she spent the next 25 years. During that time,
she earned her accounting degree and advanced into the company's accounting department.
As her children grew, her focus naturally shifted to her grandchildren, beginning with the birth of her first grandchild in 1975. Over the next 39
years, her family grew to include nine grandchildren: April, Adam, Jeannie, Mallory, Hallie, Monica, Brittany, Michael, Melissa, and Jake. Though
blended through different marriages, she loved each of them unconditionally and equally. She had a unique ability to connect with every one
of them. Summers spent at her home were filled with antiques, gardening, biking, swimming, birthday celebrations, school events, sports, and
dance recitals. She often said that no matter the activity, time with her grandchildren was her greatest reward.
Later in life, Jean moved to Gilmer to be closer to Pam and her growing family. There, she purchased an older home and lovingly rebuilt it
herself- painting, adding cabinets, and overseeing plumbing and electrical updates. Her yard became a reflection of her spirit, filled with
flowers and plants she adored, especially her favorite- irises. She was both frugal and incredibly generous. If someone was in need, she opened
her wallet and her door without hesitation. There was no judgment in her heart - only love.
Her legacy continued to grow through her great and great-great-grandchildren: Elena, Justice, Bailey, AJ, William, Brandon, Jackie, Brendan,
Austin, Kaitlyn, Jewelyana, Kinslie, Kalenna, Madyson, Kaylee, Riley, Charlee, Teagan, Barrett, Beau, Harrison, Henry, Jensen, and Karsyn.
Jean never stopped living. She learned to quilt and crochet, creating countless blankets for her family- each one made with love.
We honor you, Mom, for all that you gave us and taught us. You loved unconditionally, without judgment- only with boundless devotion,
steadfast acceptance, and deep affection. We are so fortunate to have had you as our mother, our "Booma," for all these years. You were a fighter
and a lover of life until the very end.
Thank you, Mom,
Lisa Ann Gonzalez
This obituary was written by Lisa Gonzalez with the intention of preserving the true spirit of her mother's life- a reflection of who she was, for
generations to come