Jean Tansil, 79, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Rector, died Monday, Oct. 3, 2005.

Born Feb. 14, 1926, in Rector to the late Ora and Lillian Lynch, she was a graduate of Rector High School and attended William Woods College in Fulton, Mo.

She was crowned Miss Northeast Arkansas and later was chosen Sweetheart of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Beaumont, Texas. She was actively involved in PTA throughout her children's school years, was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed knitting, reading, fishing, camping and traveling. Jean and husband, John, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She also was an active supporter of the Methodist Children's Home in Waco.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Pat Cox of Destin, Fla., Jean Phillips and husband David of Bellville, Texas, and Kathy Leweilin and husband Jeff of Austin, Texas; one son, Tom Tansil of Dallas, and two grandsons, Andrew and Joshua Phillips of Bellville, Texas.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Methodist Children's Home, 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708.