Jeane Brittain

Jeane Ferne Baker Brittain, 101, was born October 20, 1922, in Corning, Iowa, to Earl and Ferne Baker. Her family moved to Donna, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, when Jeane was 5. Her mother and 2 aunts taught her to play bridge at age 10 so they would have “a fourth” at the card table. She enjoyed this skill of bridge throughout her life.

 Jeane was a high school cheerleader, "prettiest girl," varsity tennis player, and speech competitor. She attended what is now University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, and Texas A & M-Kingsville, and upon graduation, began her teaching career in Beeville at age 20. Jeane taught for 30 years, mostly in Abilene, grades 1 & 2. She loved having student teachers from ACU, HSU, and MU, and was a helpful and favorite mentor.

 She married Tom Brittain, a USAF pilot and pilot instructor in 1943. She reported moving 23 times in the first 22 months of their marriage, but following the war, they returned to Abilene, where they started their family. Daughter, Ginger was born in 1946 and Tommy in 1951. Tom died in 1985 of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

 After retirement from A.I.S.D., she spent her latter years enjoying PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), bridge (Jeane became a Bronze Life Master and loved teaching newcomers to play bridge), and church. She was active at First Christian Church, Abilene, where she served as Elder into her 90’s, and was awarded Elder Emeritus in 2014. Jeane’s life was filled with joy, challenges, and the creation of a beautiful family. She moved to Wesley Court in 2015, and then to assisted living near family in DFW metroplex in 2018. Jeane died peacefully on August 25, 2024, with her family at her side. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Christian Church, in their new location, at 5125 Antilley Rd., Abilene, on Monday, September 9, at 2:00pm. Arrangements are by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., with private burial at Elmwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to First Christian Church Building Fund would be appreciated.

 Jeane is survived by her daughter, Rev. Dr. Virginia Jeane (Ginger) Brittain Jarman, and husband Rev. Dr. David Jarman, of Hurst, TX; and her son, Tommy Earle Brittain, of Ft Worth, TX; 4 grandchildren, Joe Brittain, of Waterbury, CT; Amanda Brittain, of Cheshire, CT; Elizabeth Jarman, and wife Cristy Wilson, of North Las Vegas, NV; and Jennifer Jarman McCallum, and husband Chris McCallum, of Hurst, TX; and 7 great-grandchildren: Mason (and wife Landry), Lindsey, Trinity, Lachlan, Fionn, Jett, Windsor, and one great-great grandson, Jason.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to First Christian Church Building Fund would be greatly appreciated. Mail to: 5125 Antilley Road, Abilene, TX 79606