Baylor Mourns Death of Beloved Baylor Alumna

Contact: Larry Smith, Assistant Vice President for Gift Planning, University Development, (254) 710-2561

Longtime Baylor University supporter Anna Elizabeth Sturgis Jeanes died at her home in Waco on June 6. Jeanes was a beloved wife, friend, community leader and member of the Baylor family.

"Anna Jeanes will be sorely missed by the Baylor community," said Baylor President John M. Lilley. "From the children who delight in the exhibits housed in the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center to the students whose education is enhanced by the Academic Honors Week program, her legacy remains across the campus."

Jeanes, who received her bachelor of arts degree in education from Baylor in 1934, was a member of Alpha Omega and the French Club while a student. She married fellow 1934 graduate J. Harry Jeanes in 1948. Together they have expressed their love for the university and her students in countless ways. They established an endowment for the Academic Honors Week program, provided major support to the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of Baylor's Mayborn Museum Complex, and have been recognized at the Diamond Circle level in Baylor's Endowed Scholarship Society for their gifts to endowed scholarships.

They were recognized with the Herbert H. Reynolds Award for Exemplary Service and honored for their faithful support to the university in the Medallion Fellowship as members at the bronze level of the Judge R.E.B. Baylor Society. In 1999, the Jeanes received the Founders Medal, the university's most distinguished award reserved for men and women whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the university.

"Everyday her spirit lives on in the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center," said Ellie Caston, director of the Mayborn Museum Complex. "We hear it in the laughter and see it in the visible delight of the children as they make wondrous discoveries thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Jeanes."

Jeanes worked at Scott and White Hospital as a medical technician for many years, as well as serving as attendance secretary at Waco High School, her alma mater. A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Waco, she held leadership positions as an elder and president of the Women of the Church and was named a life member of Women of the Church. Selflessly giving her time to the community, Jeanes also worked with the United Way, served on the Oakwood Cemetery Board, was a member of the Junior League of Waco, and was president of several organizations, including the Waco Literacy Club, the Women's Symphony Council and the Hamilton House luncheon club.

She is survived by her husband, J. Harry Jeanes of Waco; sister-in-law Frances Sturgis of Waco; nephew Carroll W. Sturgis Jr. of McAllen; niece Mrs. J.P. Davis (Elinor) of Waco; and three great-nephews and three great-nieces.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. in Waco. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 8, at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Austin Ave. in Waco.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Waco, the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center Excellence Fund or a charity of your choice.