Frances “Jean” Ballard, after 94 years of living, was released from her earthly bonds here in Amarillo, Texas to take her place in Heaven with all the Hosts, on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
Jean was born as Frances Jean Bohreer on May 13, 1929, in Seattle, King County, Washington. Her mother was Frances Elizabeth Whitaker Bohreer and her father was John Cecil Bohreer, but due to difficult family circumstances, Jean was reared by her grandparents. Jean grew up in Seattle until her sixteenth birthday when she met a “handsome sailor” while roller skating. About three weeks later, the handsome sailor, George Hume Ballard, and Jean were married, and Jean soon found herself in the interesting new world of Amarillo, Texas where she would live for the duration of her life.
As a new young Texan, transplanted from Seattle, Jean had to learn how to navigate many new norms and life skills. Knowing almost nothing about living away from her family, Jean managed to thrive and work beside George on their farm and become a mother to their first son, Robert Steven. They eventually moved into the South Lawn area of Amarillo where Jean worked several jobs and had their other son Bruce Alan. Before she settled in with her career working at the post office using the letter sorting machines (she memorized every street and area code throughout Amarillo), she worked at Gattis Shoes, Piggly Wiggly, worked as a cosmetologist and instructor at Exposito School of Hair Design, and received her GED from Amarillo High School.
Jean was known to her friends and family as a cheerful, kind, loving and gracious woman who was always willing to help out. She was a quilter, and for many years she hosted the “Crafty Quilters” in her living room. She was a longtime member of South Lawn Baptist church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, singing with the Sweet Adelines, playing in the church bell choir, and she loved to go square dancing. She loved her family very much and she had a ball being with her grandchildren, and later in life her great-grandchildren.
Jean was preceded into glory by her husband, George Ballard, and her eldest son, Robert Ballard.
Surviving members of Jean’s family include her son, Bruce Ballard and his wife Christine, their children Ashton, Breanne and her spouse Kristen; two other grandchildren, Benjamin Ballard, and Amanda Haynes and her spouse James; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan Hunter LaRue Haynes, and Cameron Alexander Octavius Haynes.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held Saturday, November 18th, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at More Church located at 5511 Amarillo Blvd. W, Amarillo, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.
Bruce, Chris and family,
So sorry to read of Jean’s passing. So, so many memories conjured up reading this notice. Especially saying she sang in the choir. Oh, how my mom loved to listen to her sing. I know she will be missed by all of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP my long time friend.🙏
Jackie… I was thrilled to see your name. I have missed all of you and have searched for you over the years.. so glad to know that you are well Mom was joyful to the very end, watching First Baptist every Sunday with us, recorded so we could all watch together. She loved all and finished her race with style and class… she will be forever missed much like Robert, yours and mine. My brother Robert decided to have a heart attack ending event in front of Mom and I last April 2nd. They both are missed, just like missing you. Love you Jackie because of who you are… daughter of Edna and JK Williams, my friend.
Bruce……So good to hear from you all. Hate to post personal info on here. How do I convey phone#. email etc.?
Love to all,
Jackie
What a beautiful woman , wife, mother and friend. I have never met anyone out of many thousands of people who are as gracious as Jean Ballard. Always kind to everyone and even if you knew she had every right to be angry, her tone and words were always kind and gentle even if affirming her position. Her family was her life and she laid it down for their sakes every time without compromise. She loved her Lord and Savior and everyone in her life even if she didn’t agree with them, all they felt and heard from Jean was love. What an honor to know her on this side of eternity. What a legacy she leaves to her family. Jean you were absolutely right ! LOVE Always Wins. I with so many who were loved by you look forward to the reunion of reunions when we are reunited together forever… The graciousness and love that you imparted to us can never be taken away Thank You Jean Ballard
Life is strange, I just asked about her a few months ago. I met Jean at the post office. We all called her grandma. Such a sweetheart. Rest on my friend.
Jean was my second Mom for many years! Spent as much time in her home as our own probably! You left quite the legacy Jean!! You’re an amazing woman!!