Jamie Colleen Kelley Kiesling Kays, 79, of Beaumont, died Saturday, March 10, 2007. Beloved mother, teacher, mentor, friend and raconteur passed away after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Jamie, a native Texan, was born on January 13, 1928 in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from San Jacinto High School, Jamie attended the University of Texas, graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts and Journalism degree. Then she enrolled in Columbia University in New York graduating in 1950 with a Masters of Arts in Literature. Next Jamie went to the University of Paris where she obtained a degre’ supe’rieur in French Culture and Civilization in 1953. Jamie’s career encompassed teaching school in Houston for twenty-seven years. She taught both English and journalism and directed the school newspaper and yearbooks at Reagan High School and Barbara Jordan High School for Careers.
Jamie was preceded in death by her parents, Justin A. Kiesling and Katy Jay Kelley Kiesling.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelley Kays-Everett, DVM and her son-in-law W.J. Everett III who reside in Winnie, Texas. She is survived by several cousins, including the Countess Ruth Teleki. She is also survived by her two poodles, Daisy and Kiki du Montparnasse.
For those wishing to remember Jamie, please adopt a pet or make a donation to either the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or pet rescue to be selected by the giver/adopter of a pet.
Arrangements were under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Interment of her cremains will take place at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston.
