Jean McWilliams

Jean Bonner McWilliams, age 83, of Cross Plains, Tx, passed away on October 13,2025. Born on August 31, 1942 in Brownwood, Tx Jean was raised on Cutbirth Ranch, now UF Ranch, along with sister, Jane, where she attended and graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1960.

She attended McMurry University before travelling with her daughter, Terry Jane, where they spent summers in New Mexico for several years. During her summer trips, Jean eventually met her husband Joe McWilliams, who worked as a horse trainer, through her grandfather Fred Cutbirth/ They married in October 1965 in the ranch home they currently resided in. Her son, John Fred, was later born in November 1966. 

After years of travelling and moving across both Southwest and Midwest on the racing horse circuit, Jean and her family moved back to Cross Plains in 1973 where she not only resided but became a pillar of the community. 

In 1974, Jean was employed at Cross Plains High School where she worked for over 30 years as an aide in elementary school, study hall keeper and secretary to the high school principal. Through her work in the high school, Jean influenced and helped many students and their children before doing her best to help teachers, coaches, and principals alike.

Following her work with Cross Plains High School, Jean became the secretary for the National Reined Cow Horse Association where she worked for several years including working at the World Championships in Reno, Nevada.

Jean was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church where she served for many years up until her death. Some of her most notable work came helping and organizing Lord's Acre and Vacation Bible School. 

But what Jean might be most well-known is her fierce dedication and love for her family. As a wife, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jean was there for everyone's highest of highs and lowest of lows. Organizing Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings, attending sporting events, supporting everyone's accomplishment, family was the first thing Jean cared for and pushed everyone to be great. To this day, Jean has bragged on all of her children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for all of their accomplishments no matter how big or small, telling both friends and visitors how incredibly proud of them she was.

She is survived by her husband Joe McWilliams; children John Fred McWilliams and his wife Melody, grandchildren Colton McWilliams, Shelby Williams and her husband Jacob, Dawson McWilliams and Cody McWilliams; son-in-law Tony Wyatt; grandchildren, LeaJean Wilkerson and husband Walt, Toni Mae Wyatt, Joe Dalton Wyatt and his wife Kymberlee, great-grandchildren Brazlen, Rylin, Margie, Riggin, Jayton, Knox, and Jasper; Niece Jackie Harris and her husband Jeff, nephew Try Bonner and wife Suzanne; grandnephews Carson Bonner, Clayton Bonner and his wife Gabrielle and their two children, Jeffery Harris and Jonathan Harris; grandniece Janeclaire Harris; and her many cousins and family relatives. 

Jean is preceded by her mother Roselea Bonner and father John Lewis 'Pokey' Bonner; her sister Jane Bonner; and daughter Terry Jane Wyatt.

Pallbearers will be Jean's grandsons.