Martha Jean Alewine

Martha Jean (Wilson) Alewine passed away at Mexia LTC on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at age 84.

Jean was born on September 18, 1936, in Herman Memorial Hospital to L.A. and Mabel Holmes Wilson. She was welcomed home by her big sister Rose Marie. Jean grew up in the Richmond Rosenberg area and went to Lamar Consolidated High school and graduated in the class of 55. After high school she went to Sam Houston State University where she met Waylan Alewine. Jean and Waylan were wed in 1959 and moved back to farm where Waylan worked. Mark came along in 1965 and Lisa in 1968. 

She was a very devoted mother and room mother to her children, even taking a job at the elementary school to be more involved with them and have the same holidays and summer breaks, actually making this a full time career for herself. She loved the kids at school and became very attached to several and treasured her friendships she made with the other staff members. Lisa often joked it was just so she could keep tabs on her, because the same year Lisa promoted to the Jr high, Jean moved to the Jr high.

No matter the time of day, Jean always had an open door. Mark and Lisa always had friends and cousins over at the house. She would always ensure there was enough snacks for late night tv watching or a spur of the moment trivial pursuit party. Even though her home was always welcoming, all who knew her knew not to bother her during “The Young and The Restless”. While at work she would record her stories and every evening she would watch them as soon as she got home. She would not even answer the phone unless it was during a commercial. She also used to watch “The Guilding Light” and “As the World Turns”, up until they were taken off TV. She actually mourned and wrote a letter to CBS for them being taken off the air.  

Jean worked for GISD until her retirement in 2001. After retirement Jean moved to Brenham to be near her son Mark, only to return to Groesbeck shortly after. Upon moving back, she met Peggy Coyle and they became best friends. Jean was always one of the first to know things about someone. Her children often teased her about being the local enquirer. Jean and Mrs. Peggy would often play phone tag if they were not on the front porch so they could share a piece of gossip with each other. They spent most of the days sitting on the front porch solving the world’s problems until Mrs. Peggy’s passing.

Jean enjoyed the grand children, or as she lovingly referred to them as her little angels. She enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible, often letting them persuade her to play “Go Fish,” (where they would say “I am sexy and I know it” instead of “go fish” - anything to make them laugh.)  She loved to hear their laughter.  

Jean had a significant kidney injury and was placed on hospice in January 2020. Jean became extremely close with her CNA.  Jean often referred to Carmen Ramos as her bonus granddaughter. In Jean’s opinion, Carmen went above and beyond just being an aid. She would read to her from a daily devotional and just spent time with her. She thought the world of her and also of Judy Washington, another CNA. The family is much appreciative of the care they provided.

As her health declined the hard decision was made to move her to Mexia LTC. Jean loved it there. She was able to visit with staff, residents and be inquisitive. She thrived. The family is grateful for the care she received while there.

Jean is proceeded in death by her parents, sister, and baby brother.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Angie Alewine and daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and CW Bruner.  Her grandchildren are Sam Alewine, Cody, Caycee and Randy Bruner, Jessica Lemoine and Thomas Lammons, Jasmine and Catlin Samuels, and Jennifer Lemoine. Her great grandchildren are Emberlyn, Mason and Mae.  She also has a special cousin, Opal Snelgrove, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Community Healthcare of Texas (formerly known as Providence Hospice)  or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.