Jean Mather Heins

1935 - 2022

Jean was born in Trenton New Jersey on July 27, 1935 and died peacefully the week of her 87th birthday, on July 31st, 2022.

Her parents, Samuel and Henrietta Mather, and brother George were the first to instill in Jean the love and unconditional support of a wonderful family. Even in the morning of her last day, she spoke of the kindness her brother displayed and the good fortune she had to have not only an amazing, large extended family, but also the chance to live a life she never imagined as a girl growing up in the depression and later, through the years of World War II.

Jean loved her family vacations each summer at the Thousand Islands and at the family home in Brant Beach. As a girl, she attended Prospect Street Presbyterian Church Sunday school, eventually teaching the younger children once she was in high school. She attended Hood College in Maryland, but would return in the summers to help lead the College Club at her hometown church. The foundation laid by her early church experiences created a deep faith in God and the importance of the work of the church. After marrying James Mannock and moving to San Antonio, she joined Northwood Presbyterian. The music program and children's nursery won her over at first, but the incredible family she gained at Northwood kept her earnestly involved in her church home from 1964 to the end of her life. She taught many years of Sunday school, found meaning in congregational care and serving on so many teams from the building committee to membership and fellowship. Jean also served numerous terms on Session as an elder, as well as several committees in the Presbytery.

For a short time between NJ and her move to Texas, she lived in London, England as a newlywed. Jean came to relish all things British: tea and scones, Salisbury Cathedral, and endlessly walking the neighborhoods around her office and home. There, she discovered a place that brought her incredible joy. Her home later reflected her delight in English décor and, over the years, served as lasting reminders of her time in Britain.

Jean had many interests and passions. She adored the women of Trinity University Women's Club, of which she was a member since the mid-1960s, even given permission to write their history using archived documents in the Trinity library. She was committed to the work of the Assistance League, the Daughters of the American Revolution (she was a descendant of six Revolutionary War soldiers), and Planned Parenthood. Jean adored playing bridge, traveling, attending the symphony, and hosting parties. Most of all, Jean cherished people. She loved their stories, perspectives, and the way so many of her friends gave her new ways of seeing the world. In her work as a health insurance coordinator, Jean helped countless people find care in times of great need, in parallel to the abundant care she freely gave to her friends, family, and community, including her late second husband, Jack Heins. Jean found fulfillment aiding those who needed support and treasured the gift of the dear friendships she made along the way. Throughout her life, Jean remained fiercely dedicated to her path of lifelong learning, public involvement, and improving the well-being of others.

Most of all, Jean loved her children, Jane and Caroline, and her grandchildren Kayla and Blaine Finstein, and madeline and Mitchell Huffstickler. Her last goodbyes to them were beautiful and reflected her appreciation of not just what they had accomplished but who they had become. To her, they were her finest accomplishment.

Jean's service will be held at Northwood Presbyterian Church at 518 Pike Road on August 20th at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Jean requested her support of women's education continue by having memorial gifts in her memory be made to TUWC Scholarship Fund at One Trinity Place, #49, San Antonio, TX 78212.