Helen Jane Weatherford

1933 - 2021

Helen Jane Weatherford

March 23, 1933 - Jan. 10, 2021

Helen "Jane" Weatherford passed away peacefully on January 10, 2021, with family by her side. For 87 years, she served her family, friends and others with selfless love and unfailing devotion. Jane enjoyed all things nature, including gardening and hummingbirds. She served as a US Air Force officer's wife for 22 years, and a high school teacher for ten years. After retirement, she was an ardent fan of Baylor sports, especially women's and men's basketball. She was a dutiful member of the Boundless Love Class at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Despite her Baptist roots, she was a fervent card player, frequently engaging friends and family in rounds of "Hand and Foot." She was a heart friend to many in Waco and all around the country. Jane's greatest affections, however, were reserved for family. She lavishly pampered each member, especially Dewayne, her husband of 65 years. Her love for and pride in each one was fierce and unconditional. Her children will remember her enthusiastic support of all their undertakings, including school, church and sports activities. She was eager to assist when each grandchild arrived. Her grandchildren will remember their happy outings visiting the Waco Zoo and Maybourn Museum, as well as trips to their Missouri lake house on Table Rock Lake. There was nothing more precious than spending time with "Mom Mom", no matter where, or sharing special treats such as Dr. Pepper floats or her delicious pecan pie.

Mrs. Weatherford was born March 23, 1933, in Navarro County, Texas. She was the only child of William Carl and Mattie Lou Murdock, who were themselves educators. Her high school education was at the Corsicana State Home, where her father was an administrator, and where she met her future husband, Dewayne. She was educated at Baylor University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1954. She married Mr. Weatherford on June 18, 1955. As a military wife, she made family homes in Austin, TX, Montgomery, AL, Roswell, NM, Atwater, CA, Grand Forks, ND, and Travis AFB, CA, where Dewayne retired in 1976. She and Dewayne eventually returned to Texas, along with their three children, to make their home in Waco. Jane taught business courses at Midway High for ten years. Waco was her home for the past 44 years, but she recently moved to Batesville, AR, to be near family, especially a new great-grandbaby.

Mrs. Weatherford was preceded in death in 2002 by her father, William Carl "Grandy" Murdock, and in 1982 by her mother, Mattie Lou "Nonie" Burks.

Mrs. Weatherford is survived by her husband, Lt. Col. Dewayne L. Weatherford, formerly of Waco; children, Steve and Gayla Weatherford of Batesville, AR, Carl Alan Weatherford of Independence, MO, and Kim and Chad Hughes of Texarkana, AR. Mrs. Weatherford's eight grandchildren are Kirby (and Josh) Consier, Emily (and Andrew) Neill, Bethany (and Jake) Huffman, Stephanie Weatherford, Haley Weatherford, Caleb Hughes, Joseph Weatherford, and Abbey Hughes. Her great-grandchild is Josie Belle Huffman.

A private family memorial service at their Missouri lake house is pending. Memorials may be made to Woodcrest Assisted Living Activities Fund, 2901 Neeley Street, Batesville, AR 72501. Condolences to the family can be sent to the same address, attn. Dewayne Weatherford #109.