Mr. Earl Ray Jeffery

1931 ∼ 2021

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Earl Ray Jeffery passed away peacefully on December 28, 2021.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Port Neches under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Port Neches. Officiating will be Reverend Brant Graham.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Port Neches.

Earl was born in Calico Rock, Arkansas on February 13, 1931 to Emmett and Cumy Jeffery. He received his B.S. in Mathematics from Arkansas State Teachers College and a M.S. in Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. After serving in the Army during the Korean War he met his future wife, Susan Edmunds while working on his Ph.D. at Marshall University. He and Susan married and moved to Port Neches, Texas in 1964. He worked as a teacher, counselor, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent and superintendent for Port Neches-Groves ISD during his career of 40+ years. He served on the Region 5 Education Service Center Board for Southeast Texas for 25 years where he held the position of Chairman of the Board for the last 20 years. He was a well-respected educator and touched the lives of many people.

Earl loved his family. He and Susan were deeply in love and built their lives around their family, being very involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives. They placed the importance of family above all else. After Susan’s passing, Earl road-tripped across Texas to visit his children and grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren exemplify the family values instilled by Earl and Susan and continue to be close friends while living apart.

Earl was a passionate supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving in numerous volunteer positions for over 40 years. Two sons and three grandsons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and he made three trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM for 50+ mile treks with his boys.

Earl was very strong in his faith and he and his wife, Susan brought their family up as active members of First United Methodist Church Port Neches and taught them to love Jesus. He was actively involved in the church and served faithfully while modeling his love for Christ in his daily life.

Earl was always a motivator and encourager and was always looking for ways to enrich the lives of others. He loved to visit friends and family in nursing homes, often taking them treats (one of his favorites was sharing small cups of ice cream). He always had a story to tell, and he could tell the same story over and over…rest assured, the details would be the same each time. You could be certain that within each story was a deeper meaning or a hidden lesson. He leaves a strong legacy and has touched the lives of so many people.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Cumy Jeffery and his wife, Susan Jeffery.

Earl is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Barry Low of Cypress; daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Greg Sims of Port Neches; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Debby Jeffery of Boerne; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Stephanie Jeffery of Dallas; grandchildren Morgan and husband Tommy English of Oceanside, CA, Nathan Sims, Scott Low, Andrew Jeffery, Matthew Jeffery, Sydney Jeffery and Roman Jeffery and great-granddaughter Scarlett English.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church Port Neches, P.O. Box 277, Port Neches, Texas 77651.

Condolences

Karen Glenn January 11, 2022

I have known Mr. Jeffery for about 40 years. In that time, I have found him to be a very wise man, and very deliberate with his words and actions. Whether he was dealing with students at school, children at church, Boy Scouts, or his own children, he was thoughtful in his methods of discipline, and did not use mistakes as a time to punish, but an opportunity to teach. He was always calm and even tempered no matter the situation. Mr. Jeffery led by example, loving and caring for everyone he met and helping anyone in need. He is no longer with us, but his legacy will live on through those who knew and loved him. I still remembered the first time he came to my rescue back in 1993. I had agreed to teach a 2nd and 3rd grade VBS class with no prior teaching experience. I had a class of mostly boys, and was struggling with classroom management, particularly with one young man. Mr. Jeffery suggested sloping my finger into his back belt loop and pulling up slightly to get his attention while discussing proper behavior. Simple, but effective. I still marvel at his wisdom!

Shirley Ramey January 8, 2022

Earl was a kind and encouraging mentor to me throughout much of my time in education. Much of his wise advice guided me over the years. He said, “Don’t try to be all things to all people,” and “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” He kept the school district on a steady track, and he deserves much credit for the consistent excellence of the Port Neches-Groves schools.

Anonymous January 6, 2022

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Larry Craig & Lloyd Mccrory & Families January 6, 2022

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Sincerely, Your Frost Family January 5, 2022

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Anonymous January 4, 2022

Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Mr. Earl Ray Jeffery.

Robert Edmunds January 4, 2022

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Cyndi Simmons January 4, 2022

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey were lovely people. When I was the church secretary from 2008-2011, Mr. Jeffrey would stop in the office and chat, and I loved listening to his stories. There always seemed to be a deeper message, and he would often have me think about it and tell him what I thought it was. This made our visits something to look forward to and I will forever remember his kind and gentle spirit. He would often speak of Mountain Home, Arkansas -- my mom's family was from that area so it was a connection that was dear to me. Prayers to the family.

Anonymous January 3, 2022

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Mr. Earl Ray Jeffery.

Anonymous January 2, 2022

Strength & Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Mr. Earl Ray Jeffery.

Bonnie Timaeus January 2, 2022

I have been a member of First United Methodist Church since 1971, and Earl and Susan Jeffery were always active in the church and always kind, loving and friendly. We had sons in the Scout Troop 51 at the same time, I sat next to Susan in the choir, and I never heard a disparaging word from either of them. I have missed Susan since her passing and I'm sure going to miss Earl's smile and sweet greetings. I am so sorry for the loss of this stalwart Christian man and I send love and sympathy to the family. Bonnie (Sturrock) Timaeus

Cathy O'Neal (Pousson) January 1, 2022

Mr. Jeffery was my principal at Groves Elementary. I remember his kindness and excitement as he greeted us in the morning or when passing in the hallway. He always took time for us. My deepest condolences on this family's loss.

Dickie Stockton December 31, 2021

Earl was a good friend of mine and also his wife Susan we sang in the choir in Port Neches FUMC I would see him at Walmart shopping and we would talk for a while I will miss him .

Charlottecole December 31, 2021

Charlottecole lit a candle in memory of Mr. Earl Ray Jeffery

event Visitation

location_on First United Methodist Church Port Neches, 1826 Nall Street, Port Neches, 77651

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schedule Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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