Jean Johnson Gonsoulin

She had been a lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas, born in 1936 to her father, Richard Gerald Johnson, and her mother, Lois Bodemueller Johnson, and sister to Richard Gerald Johnson, Jr., M.D.  Jean lived a joyful life doted on by her loving family.  She graduated from Beaumont High School and kept up with many of her childhood friends through the years. Jean went on to Randolph Macon Women's College for her freshman year, and then transferred to The University of Texas where she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority and completed her degree in 1958 in Home Economics.  She forged a lifelong friendship with her roommate and sorority sister, Carol Corley Nelson, of Austin, and they continued to travel together through the years.

Jean returned to Beaumont following her graduation and shortly thereafter met Dewey J. Gonsoulin, of Houston, on a blind date.  They quickly realized they had met their perfect match and three months later got engaged.  They married April 25, 1959, in Beaumont, at St. Anne Catholic Church, and embarked on a fifty-six year love story that was filled with experiences they cherished each and every day.  They had three children, Jean Elizabeth Gonsoulin, of Los Angeles, California, Anne Gonsoulin Figueiras, of Beaumont, and Dewey J. Gonsoulin, Jr., of Houston, who were the joys of their lives.  Jean took such pride in each of their accomplishments and devoted herself to raising them and supporting them with a ready ear to listen, a solid shoulder to lean on, and unwavering love to sustain them long after they left home.

She was thrilled when her family expanded to include daughter-in-law, Karen Krueger Gonsoulin, wife of Dewey Gonsoulin, Jr., of Houston; and eight grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth de la Houssaye, of Santa Barbara, California, Catherine Anne Figueiras, of Beaumont, Mark Anthony Figueiras, of Beaumont, Michael Dewey Figueiras, of Beaumont, Elizabeth Rose Figueiras, of Beaumont, Dewey Jude Gonsoulin III, of Houston, Emily Ruth Gonsoulin, of Houston, and Robert Griffith Gonsoulin, of Houston.  Her grandchildren are a reflection of the unimpeachable character, dignity and compassion she herself modeled.

Beyond her dedication to her family, Jean was committed to giving her time and talents to causes that were meaningful to her.  She was a long-time member of the Junior League of Beaumont, where she served as president, Beaumont Symphony League, Beaumont Heritage Society, Neches River Festival, Buckner Village, and was a strong supporter of her sorority Pi Beta Phi and Randolph Macon Women's College as an alumnae.  Jean adored horticulture and took great joy in her involvement and leadership in the Garden Club of America and the Magnolia Garden Club.  She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and took joy and comfort in the spirit of her church family.

It's always difficult to sum up the entirety of one's life in a memorial tribute and feel that adequate justice is done for the impact they made while here on this earth.  Fortunately, those whose lives were touched by Jean throughout her seventy-eight years know what an extraordinary woman she was, beautiful inside and out, with a grace and dignity that served her through to her last moments.  While she, as well as we, wish she were here for even a few moments more, our memories of her are burnished forever in our minds and in our hearts.

Jean's family will welcome those who wish to share their thoughts and condolences at a visitation Monday evening, June 22, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.  A celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with a reception for family and friends immediately prior to the service in the Nita McKnight Parlor from 9:00 a.m. until10:00 a.m.  Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont following the service.  

Pallbearers will be Mark Figueiras, Michael Figueiras, Dewey Gonsoulin III, Robert Gonsoulin, Patrick McGinnis, and Jay Old.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Magnolia Garden Club, 148 South Dowlen Road, #642, Beaumont, Texas 77707; or to a charity of one’s choice.