Jeanne Marie Brown Estey

Jeanne Marie Brown Estey, 80, of Lancaster, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, in Waxahachie, surrounded by family who loved her deeply.
Born in Ennis, Texas, on April 8, 1945, Jeanne lived her life with passion, honesty, and grit. She was strong-willed, quick-tempered, and never afraid to speak her mind-but beneath that fiery exterior was a woman who cared fiercely and loved even harder. Her family and friends always knew where they stood with Jeanne, and that kind of truth was one of her greatest gifts.
Jeanne loved being on the road, exploring small towns, and taking family vacations that always came with laughter, stories, and at least one wrong turn. She found joy in food-whether cooking it, sharing it, or just enjoying a good meal with people she loved.
She poured her creativity into crafting and sewing, making her daughters' clothes by hand and proving she could make something beautiful out of anything.
Jeanne spent countless hours researching family history, digging through records, and piecing together stories from generations past. She loved uncovering connections, preserving memories, and sharing what she found-making sure her family understood where they came from and the people who came before them. That curiosity and care for her roots reflected the deep pride she had in her family.
Jeanne was especially close to her daughter Cheryl, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. The two of them were kindred spirits-full of laughter, love, and the occasional argument-but always finding their way back to each other. Her family takes comfort in knowing that they are together again.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her former husband, Richard Estey; her daughter, Cheryl Estey Beard; her parents, Geraldine and Eugene Brown; her brothers, Royce and Irvin Brown; and her sister, Elaine Montgomery.
She is survived by her daughters, Samantha Estey and Beth Estey Hardwick (and husband, Brian); granddaughters, Austyn Beard Snelus (and husband, Austin), and Emerson Hardwick; and great-granddaughters, Aubree, Elliott, and Hunter Snelus. She also leaves behind her sisters, Pat Brown Commons and Sandi Brown Crumbley; her brother, Ed Brown; and a large, loving extended family who will miss her stories, her laugh, and her presence more than words can say.
Jeanne was defined by her strength, her humor, and the deep love she carried for her family. She lived honestly, loved fiercely, and left behind memories that will be retold for generations.