Jean Ann Brewer Beckwith, 92, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Caraday Nursing Center, following an injury due to a fall a few days after Thanksgiving.  She was surrounded by her family and friends in the months leading up to her death.

Remembrance Gathering: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Williams Funeral Directors. 1600 S. Garland Ave. Garland, Texas

Graveside Service/Interment: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Garland Memorial Cemetery 1600 S. Garland Ave. Garland, Texas

Memorials: The Salvation Army 214-956-6225 or the American Diabetes Association in memory of Jean A. Beckwith D.V.M.

Jean was born September 20, 1930, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the oldest of three sisters, to Victor and Doris Brewer. Jean had a long and successful career as a highly respected Veterinarian and owner of the Preston Forest Animal Hospital.

Jean graduated from Michigan State University in 1954 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Her husband, Dutch, was a huge supporter of her career goals and insisted she be the one to "walk the stage" on their mutual graduation day. He stood in the audience with his newborn daughter, Vicki, in his arms. Jean met Dutch while attending MSU when he was conducting a survey of Veterinarian students. She often said that he was pleasantly surprised, having a stereotype of what it took to be successful female in that profession. Jean and Dutch proudly raised four children and remained married for more than 60 years.

Jean was exceptional – at the head of the pack as a professional woman – the only women in her graduating class in Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State. She was an exceptional Doctor and beloved by her pet patients and their pet parents. She retired at the age of 75 after being a leader and mentor to other women in the field. She was certainly an inspiration to her daughters, both professionals as well.

Mom – we miss you terribly. Mom, Mother, Grandma Doc, Jean Ann, Sarge, Dr. Jean A. Beckwith, and Aunt Jean -she was so much to so many. Our Mom was the dominant figure in our family – and perhaps the most intelligent person I have ever known, said Vicki, with a sharp quick wit and at times, a sharp tongue. But no matter our differences – there was never any doubt that she was on our side, had our back, would protect us like a "Mother Bear".

Mom - loving mother and wife, a caring daughter, a devoted sister and Aunt, beloved Grandma Doc, an avid reader, and animal lover. One of Lynn's fondest memories of Mom was when she came into her daughter's kindergarten class to show how a veterinarian would examine a pet. We had brought in our cat to help show how to gently handle and care for a pet. Every child watched with rapt attention everything she, Grandma Doc, said and did. It reminded me of why I once had thought I would one day become a veterinarian and maybe a couple of those children began to think that as well.

Bruce shared – Mom – I've always been proud to be your son. I always knew you would love and support me no matter what.  Don't believe what my sister's say – that I was always her favorite!

James recalls growing up, Mom was that dominant character, sure in her convictions and dedicated to the profession she chose to follow. Her strength of character, and possibly her nickname Sarge, were ingrained in me as I chose a career in the U.S. Marines, which lead me to explore the world and eventually settle in England with my family. As the proverbial prodigal son, Mom always had a smile on her face and keen interest in what I was up to when I would return home to visit. Though living far away, I always felt I was close in her heart.

The family thanks the caregivers at Caraday of Fort Worth and the Alpha Omega Hospice. A special appreciation goes to Marmdu, Janice and Sara "Red".  Our love and gratitude go to Margaret Douglas for her help and kindness to the Beckwith family over many years and especially the last three months of Jean's life.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Richard C. "Dutch" Beckwith, her parents, Victor and Doris Brewer, sisters, Nancy Joe Layman and Betty Wells and her son-in-law, David L. Bowling Sr.

She is survived by her four children, Victoria Beckwith Johnson and husband, George, of Fort Worth, TX; Lynn Beckwith and husband, Ron Wyffels, of Havertown PA; Bruce Beckwith and wife, Helen, of Garland, TX; and James Beckwith and wife, Sarah, of Blunsdon, Wilts, England. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (with another on the way).