Jean Fortenberry Amyx

Jean was born in the small West Texas Town of Lockney Texas.  She grew up the daughter of a farmer John Cephus Fortenberry and Mother Imogene (Love) Fortenberry.  She was the middle of 3 daughters, Nelda the oldest and Phyllis the youngest.  Her strong ties to God started the day she was born and were instilled from her parents.

She married her first husband Roy Durham and soon after had her first son Wes, followed by her second son Rod. As far back as we can remember mom had us in church twice Sundays and every Wednesday.  She was determined to instill in us the faith she was taught from her parents. When Wes was 7, she remarried Troy Smith, and she became the stepmother to Troy’s children Karla and Carlos.

Jean was a wonderful mother!  Her life transitioned as Wes took his wife Tonya whom she adored and then they had her first grandchild Tyler.  He was her pride and joy.  When asked what her hobbies were, we knew right away it was going to be her grandson’s baseball games.  Her second grandson came along 7 years later, Dylan, and it was soon after his birth the family moved to the DFW area.

Well, mom didn’t linger long in West Texas and followed closely behind. She hardly ever missed a game either boy played, she read both of the boy's bible stories every time they spent the night with her.  Looking through her cedar chest recently, we found every old newspaper clipping, program and accomplishment they had ever made; she had cut out and saved them all.

She also took such great joy in cooking for the holidays as she was a big part of being with all our families and friends.  She loved singing in church and rarely missed a service.  Anyone who ever met Jean loved her; and both Wes and Rod have gotten the following traits and followed in her footsteps.  All are kind, happy, and easy to love.  If you’re reading this, we are sure you will all agree.

Alzheimer’s tried to rob Jean in her last days of memories that were precious to her, but she was always so happy to see her family. She loved and thought of us all until the end.  Mom, please give our loved one's big hugs and kisses; like Grandad, Granny, Papa, Grandma, Papa Don, Nani Linda and the list goes on. We love you mom, and we know you will be waiting for us with open arms.

Jean is survived by her sons Wes Durham and his wife Tonya, Rod Durham; stepdaughter Karla Smith and her daughter Heather; grandsons Tyler Durham, Dylan Durham and his wife Haley; great grandchildren Kash and Story Durham; sisters Phyllis Smith and her husband Victor and Nelda Jernigan and her husband Cliff.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Allen Family Funeral Options.