Jeanie FARRIS

Calvin Farris
April 6, 1932-December 15, 2020

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Jeanie Berry Farris
May 10, 1933-March 1, 2022

Married Jan. 6, 1953
“Always”

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*Obituary Calvin Farris
Calvin Finus Farris passed (of natural causes) and began his new journey, on December 15th, 2020, at the age of 88. Calvin was born in Tokio, Texas, April 6, 1932, the son of Barney and Pansy Farris. He married the only love of his life, Wanda Jean (Jeanie) Berry in Brownfield, Tx on Jan 6, 1953.

He attend Brownfield High School, graduating in 1950 , as Class President. After school, Calvin worked for his father at Keystone-Farris Propane business in Levelland and Brownfield. Following that, he spent his entire career of 38 years with Amerada Hess Petroleum and Hess Corporation, primarily in Seminole. He took his work very seriously. Those who worked with, for or even around him, will all nod that he was a friend to everyone, yet a strong leader and mentor, and was completely unselfish. He loved his work and his work family. His most fond memory of his career, was his temporary assignment to Abu Dhabi, to establish a new Warehouse operation. He flew back on the Concorde. He was also extremely proud of having managed all the Materials requirements to build the Seminole Gas Plant. In recognition of his service and skills, in the Petroleum industry, he was awarded both Oil Support Person, and Retired Oil Person, at the local Oil-Ag Day ceremonies. Calvin was a member of the Seminole Volunteer Fire Department, where he served 19 years. He and the other members built the Department into what it ultimately is today. He also was a member of Seminole Masonic Lodge No 957. As a member of South Seminole Baptist Church, he never, ever missed a tithe. He served his country for 2 years in the Army, at Fort Hood, where their first child was born.

After retirement in 1994, Calvin went back to his passion of raising and riding horses, as well as raising other animals. His primary focus in life was spending time with family, and teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (as well as all their friends) to ride. He trail rode horses many years with a local group of friends, and rode horseback to the top of Guadalupe Peak in his 70's. He was a member of the Seminole Drifters Riding Club, where he helped sponsor and coordinate local events. Local playdays are some of the most cherished memories for his grandchildren. He also logged literally thousands of hours helping his children and grandchildren with local Livestock Shows and competitions, over 3 decades. He also taught all these children the values of life, simply by being himself.

Calvin was a man's man, complete with a huge soft heart, and immense integrity. He helped hundreds of Seminole citizens over the years, in countless ways. He enjoyed helping others. Calvin Farris was the definition of a solid citizen and individual. He was a dedicated family leader and the best father and Papa imaginable. All his children and grandchildren will always remember his parting words in every conversation, "Sure do love you and I sure am proud of you !"

He is preceded in death by his father Barney Cleo Farris, his mother Pansy Bonita Farris, and one brother Barney Eugene Farris.

He is survived by one sister, Roma and husband Max Miller of Brownfield, Tx, his loving wife of 67 years, Wanda Jean (Jeanie) Farris of Seminole, three daughters : Vickie and husband Phil Aubry of Seminole, Cindy and husband Charles Hanley of Weatherford, Tx, and Gina Sutter of Keller, Tx, as well as one son Dan Farris of Tyler, Tx, 11 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.

He is sitting tall in the saddle now, with his friend Dale and brother Gene. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

The family will hold memorial services at a later date, and sends thanks to all those who have expressed their sympathy and love.

Published in the Seminole Sentinel

*Obituary Jeanie Berry Farris
Jeanie Farris, age 88, went to be with her Lord, and her beloved husband Calvin, on March 1, 2022, in Weatherford. She was born May 10, 1933, in Borger in the time of the Great Depression, to loving parents Hubert and Catherine Berry. Her father worked for Amerada Petroleum, when oil field workers relocated frequently, resulting in Jeanie attending many different schools during her younger years. Though difficult, this lifestyle served her well as strength, resilience and adaptability would later become her trademarks as a wife, mother, friend and co-worker. Jeanie ultimately graduated from Wellman High School in 1950 as a cheerleader, Annual Queen and Miss Personality.

She married the the love of her life, Calvin Farris, January 6, 1953 in Brownfield and they spent the next 67 years together, most of that in Seminole.

Jeanie lived for her children (4), grandchildren (11 and great-grandchildren (17). To each and every one of them, she was a compassionate and trusted confidante, a life mentor, a place of comfort, yet a rock to lean on. She provided an incredible example of unconditional love, and unquestioned integrity. She was completely unselfish and solely dedicated to their success and happiness. They loved to be around her, every bit as much as she did them. She attended every one of their events possible, large or small. Consistently her parting words to them, which will forever be fondly remembered, were "love, love, love!"

While it might be said that her hobby was doing anything and everything she could for her family, she also loved to sew. Jeanie was an exceptional seamstress and sewed everything her children wore until they were well past elementary. She must have logged many thousands of hours sewing to provide for her children, making certain that they "looked like they stepped out of a magazine!" However, it didn't stop there. She continued by making exquisite and very intricate dress up and Barbie clothes that have been and will be passed on to future generations.

Jeanie worked as an administrative assistant in the Seminole High School Principal's office, for 20 years. She loved her work. She was deeply appreciated and respected by faculty, staff and students alike. There is no question that many who were students during her time there will remember her as someone who influenced their own life in many positive ways. In 1991, the student body dedicated the yearbook to Jeanie, the only non-teacher ever selected for this honor. She not only counseled students, but was a true friend to all faculty and staff, without exception and without bias. She loved her school co-workers, and counted so very many as friends.

Some of her fondest memories were traveling with her daughters and her sister Gail. She especially enjoyed visiting her extended families in Alabama, California, and Chicago. Jeanie also loved visiting New York City and was, some might say, a professional shopper. She was known to shop all day. No one was able to keep up with her!

Beloved by all, Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Catherine Berry, one brother Curtis Berry, and husband Calvin Farris.

She is survived by one sister, Gail Hodge of Grandbury; one son, Dan Farris of Tyler and three daughters, Vickie and Phil Aubry of Seminole, Cindy and Charlie Hanley of Weatherford and Gina Sutter of Keller; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that were dear to her heart.

Jeanie and husband Calvin were long time members of the South Seminole Baptist Church.

A celebration of life, date TBD, will be held in the near term, and will be communicated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ronald McDonald House, her charity of choice.

Published in the Seminole Sentinel

Contributed on 2/24/24 by neldapat
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