Jeannie Wyly

Willie Jean "Jeannie" Wyly (Maiden Surname "Riley") was born April 4, 1936, in Pettit, Texas—the youngest of 7 children born to Alvin Norman Riley and Annie Bell Ash Riley. In the summer before she started high school, her family moved to Clyde, Texas. In both Pettit Junior High and Clyde High School, she excelled in basketball. At one tournament, she was named "All Tournament Guard". 

After high school, she attended Tarleton Agri College, now known as Tarleton University, in Stephenville, Tx. It was at Tarleton that she met Charles Wyly. She and Charles married on August 27, 1955, in Clyde, TX. Their marriage would last 56 years. They had two children: Sandra Beth, born Nov. 5, 1956, and Ricky Charles, born Nov. 18, 1959. 

Charles's continued education and career as an educator and administrator required the family to move frequently. They lived in Denton, Hamlin, Walnut Springs, Ferris, Venus, Hillsboro, and Hewitt, Tx. The family spent summers in the college towns of Denton, Austin, and College Station, so that Charles could continue his education.

Jeannie's favorite things were arts and crafts and working with children. For many years, she was involved with Vacation Bible School, taught children's Sunday School classes, and worked in both public and private day care settings. She worked with the church's GA group, as well as with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H clubs. She enjoyed painting and sewing. She made quilts for friends and family, and made some to be donated to charity fundraisers. 

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, all of her brothers, sisters, their spouses, and her husband Charles. She is survived by her children, Sandra, Rick, and his wife Teresa. Grandchildren are Jeremy Kinard and wife Christi, Lauren Wyly Canafax and husband Cody, Megan Wyly Schnitzius and husband Michael, and Kristin Wyly. Great-grandchildren are Taylor Kinard, Claire, Joseph, Charlie Canafax, David, and Alden Schnitzius. Jeannie's large family includes many nieces and nephews. 

Jeannie wanted to mention her thanks for the care she received at Ridgecrest Assisted Living Center in Waco. Special thanks go to Heart of Texas Hospice for their care and friendship.