Jean Thedford

With thankful hearts, we remember a remarkable woman who lived a long, full, and beautiful life, passing peacefully on December 21, 2025, at the age of 101 years young. Jean Thedford, known to those who loved her most as Mother and Nana, was a woman to admire, to learn from, and to aspire to be like, leaving behind a century’s worth of stories, laughter, and love. She was born in Chandler, Texas, on November 23, 1924, to Horace and Linnie Cauthron and spent her early years surrounded by family and the values that would guide her throughout her life. She moved with her family to San Antonio, where she graduated and eventually made her way back to Edom, where she married Russell Thedford, her husband of over sixty years. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming two children, Sandra and David. Family was the center of her world, and she cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jean began her working years in a sewing factory, where her strong work ethic was stitched together with a lasting love for fashion. Following her retirement from Tyler Pipe, she proved that retirement was merely a suggestion and became the owner and operator of Hen House Fashions, a Tyler boutique dedicated to providing stylish, thoughtfully chosen clothing for older women who knew that style has no age limit. Even at her 101stbirthday party, her pink pantsuit was the perfect outfit choice to be camera-ready and every bit the star of the celebration. A woman of deep and steady faith, Jean was proudly Baptist and often said with her sweet smile, “The Lord has been good to me.” She liked to credit her long life to clean living, but those who knew her best knew the real secret: a tender heart overflowing with kindness and a genuine love for people. Since 2018, Jean had resided at Atria Senior Living, where she served as a resident ambassador. True to her nature, she loved people and made everyone feel welcome. She had a rare gift for connecting with others, offering warmth, encouragement, and genuine care to all she met. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Thedford; her sister, Nella Fern Morgan; and a cherished special friend, Jack Beall, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Jean leaves behind her two children, daughter Sandra and son-in-law, A.C. Kurtz of Tyler and son David and daughter-in-law, Jane Thedford, of New Harmony; four beloved grandsons and their wives - Michael and Grace Kurtz of Lavon, Chad and Ashley Kurtz of Whitehouse, Russ and Amanda Thedford of Lindale, and Cliff Thedford of Tyler; and eight treasured great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her love and legacy - Lucas and Brooke Kurtz, Bailey and Lainey Kurtz, Blaine and Blair Davis, and Peyton and Brody Thedford. Everyone of these family members was a source of immense joy to her, and she followed their lives with great interest, quick wit, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate together with them numerous times throughout every year. Blessed with a sharp mind for all 101 years, Jean Thedford lived a life rich in connection with friends and family, marked by honor, grace, and genuine care for others. Her legacy is one of love freely given, faith steadfastly lived, and kindness that touched every life she encountered. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her, leaving us all with the reminder that a well-lived life leaves love behind, always. Services for Jean will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. Interment will follow in Edom Cemetery in Edom. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Jean Thedford

November 23, 1924 - December 21, 2025