Jean Putnam Johnson

Faith in Jesus Christ guided Jean Putnam Johnson through life, and her love for others helped to give her journey meaning.

A native Texan, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, and then attended Texas Woman's University earning a bachelor's degree in health, recreation, and physical education and a minor in English. Later, she completed a master's degree in English from McNeese State University.

While at a party in Port Arthur, Jean met the love of her life, O.E. "Skip" Johnson. Although they attended the same high school, they hadn't met until the summer before Skip's senior year at Texas A&M University.

After Skip graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in mechanical engineering, the two married and then followed his 28-year career with Gulf Oil Corporation, traveling around the world.

Jean taught English, health and physical education in Virginia, Texas, Louisiana and in the Netherlands before the couple returned to College Station. With talent and a love of music, she played piano and organ at church and also gave private lessons. For several years Jean volunteered at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum as an education docent, served on the Dean's Advisory Council in the College of Education and Human Development and devoted time and resources to support the Maroon Coats, a student organization sponsored by the Texas A&M Foundation that is dedicated to serving Texas A&M University. She enjoyed playing bridge and tennis, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Generosity was a hallmark of Jean's character, and although she shied away from the spotlight, she and Skip were recognized for their support of Texas A&M students with the Carolyn S. Lohman Advocacy Leadership Award from the College of Education and Human Development, being named an Honorary Maroon Coat by the Texas A&M Foundation and with membership in the Texas A&M Foundation's Legacy Society.

Jean had a heart for people and enjoyed baking cookies and cinnamon rolls, making delicious breakfast tacos or dropping off an entire meal to brighten someone's day or to lighten their burden. Her kindness and genuine compassion drew people to her, and left them encouraged, inspired, and knowing that she cared.

Skip and Jean were married for 64 years and have three adult children: Gay, Robert '83 and Jim. They have three grandchildren: Vicky Lynch, Robin Johnson and Amanda Johnson; and five great-grandchildren: Jeannie Prugar, James Prugar, Amelia Lynch, Molly Lynch and Peter Lynch.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness to the Lord, her family, friends, community and to Texas A&M University.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 (King James Bible)

"In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials to support the Maroon Coats be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate the Maroon Coats Operating Account #73516 in the memo line of the check."