Daphne Elizabeth Jewell

Daphne Elizabeth Cooper Jewell, age 73 entered into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She fought with unwavering strength and grace, her faith never faltering. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in the glorious truth that she now stands whole and radiant before the throne of God, worshipping Him for all eternity. Her life was a testament to the love of Christ, and her legacy of faith will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Daphne is survived by her daughter Jessica Speirs Patton and husband Harvey Herd Patton IV of Ruston; grandchildren Sadie Grace Patton and Ethan Oliver Patton (Allie); bonus-daughters Kim Jewell Brashear (John) and Heather Jewell Furr (Chip), bonus-sons Mike Jewell, Bob Jewell (Rebecca), and Fritz Jewell (Linda); bonus-grandchildren Shannon Tatum (Timothy), Jed Brashear (Kate), Kasten Furr, Allie Furr, Robert Jewell (Tonya), Steven Jewell (April), Dylan Jewell, Jason Jewell, and Carson Jewell. She also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Daphne is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Forbes Jewell, Sr. and her parents William Barr Cooper and Marian Halliday Cooper.
Daphne was born in Ruston in 1951 and spent most of her childhood in Delhi, Louisiana. A proud graduate of Delhi High School's Class of 1969, she excelled academically, finishing at the top of her class while also cheering on the Delhi Bears with school spirit and pride. Inspired by her father's work as a forester for Murphy Oil, Daphne pursued a degree in Forestry at Louisiana Tech University, making history as the second woman to ever graduate in the field.
Her passion for knowledge didn't stop there. Knowing she was meant to teach, she earned a second degree in science education, laying the foundation for a lifelong career of inspiring others. Still eager to deepen her expertise, she pursued a master's degree in Botany, followed by an Education Reading Specialist degree at the encouragement of her advisor. A true lifelong student, Daphne never lost her thirst for knowledge, believing that learning was a journey meant to be embraced at every stage of life.
Daphne began her career at Cedar Creek High School, where she spent 12 years teaching math and science. But when the opportunity arose to teach Microbiology at Louisiana Tech-her lifelong dream-she couldn't pass it up. With genuine passion, she spent decades guiding students who would go on to become nurses, nutritionists, doctors, and more, leaving an immeasurable impact on her students. Even in her final days, the legacy of her teaching was evident. Many of the nurses who cared for her had once been her students, remembering her with gratitude and admiration. It was a beautiful reflection of the lives she had touched-proof that the seeds she had sown in the classroom had flourished in ways she could have never imagined. The family is so grateful for the dedicated care of her Hospice nurses, Amy, Lacy, and Melissa.
On February 4th of 1978, Daphne and Fred were married in Lake Charles, Louisiana, beginning a beautiful 40-year journey together. Daphne took immense pride in their family, cherishing every moment they shared. Some of their happiest days were spent at their camp on Toledo Bend, fishing side by side. Whether they were birdwatching, golfing, or working on their forestry skills together, their greatest joy was simply being with one another-partners in life, love, and every adventure in between.
In her later years, Daphne remained a devoted wife to Fred and embraced one of her greatest joys-being "Honey" to her beloved grandchildren and bonus grandchildren. They filled her heart, and their milestones became her most treasured celebrations. She was always there-whether in the crowd at every special moment, on the other end of a long phone call, or sharing quiet afternoons on her back porch. Her presence was a gift, her love unwavering, and her devotion to her family a beautiful reflection of her heart.
To know Daphne was to be deeply loved. She was a woman of unwavering kindness and steadfast faith, always reaching out, always making sure others felt cherished. Her heart overflowed with generosity, her love was unshakable, and her servant's spirit shone brightly to all who knew her. She was, in so many ways, a living reflection of Jesus, pouring herself out for others in ways both great and small.
Her love was not just spoken but written, as she had a gift for putting her heart into words. Through heartfelt letters and thoughtful notes, she made sure those she loved always knew how much they meant to her. These words, like her presence, left an imprint-reminders of her warmth, wisdom, and the faith that guided her life. Though she is no longer by our side, the imprint of her love remains-a light that will continue to shine through the lives she touched.
While we grieve her passing, we do not mourn as those without hope. Daphne was a wholly devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in knowing she is now in His presence, rejoicing in Heaven for all eternity.
The family invites you to join them in a celebration of her life at the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer on Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 PM. Visitation to follow in Haskell Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude’s in Daphne's memory. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com