Jean Hadley

Jean Carolyn Crist Hadley

1945 - 2025

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Obituary of Jean Carolyn Crist Hadley

Fort Worth - Jean Crist Hadley, 79, joined the church triumphant on January 19, 2025. 

Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations  are requested to Ridglea Presbyterian Church ( www.ridgleapres.org) or the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (www.fwsymphony.org)

Jean was born to James and Mildred Crist on November 30, 1945 in Cleburne, Texas.   She grew up on a ranch adjacent to town where her father managed the cattle business as well as owned a meat packing plant.  Her mother taught school.  She graduated from the University of Texas (Arlington) with a degree in Math/Physics. Her insatiable thirst for learning was a cornerstone of her life. 

Jean started as an actuary, but quickly adopted the computer applications career path.  She met her future husband, Steve, while skiing in Ruidoso, NM.  Since computer jobs were more plentiful than aerospace engineers, the couple soon moved to Fort Worth to both work at General Dynamics.  Her love for people and organizational skills permitted her to move up the management ranks before retiring as a Director from Computer Sciences Corporation in 2004.

Jean was active in Ridglea Presbyterian Church, serving several terms as elder as well as teaching the discussion based adult Sunday School class.  The Hadleys participated in many mission trips in the US and Mexico.  In addition to extensive church Outreach programs, they were involved with Planned Parenthood, the Presbyterian Night Shelter, community service, and various environmental protection groups.  The Arts were also a very important part of her life.  She particularly enjoyed the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Camerata and other chamber music ensembles, Stage West Theater, and the Kimbell Art Museum.

Jean was an avid runner/walker, tennis, and volleyball player.  Other lifelong pursuits included a love of nature, hiking, river rafting, scuba/snorkeling, snow/water skiing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and high risk adventure of all kinds.  She and Steve traveled hand in hand, flying his plane throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas.  Their bucket list included visiting all the National Parks in the lower 48 state and Hawaii.  International travel involved extensive cruising (both ocean and rivers) and land excursions across 6 continents for decades.

Jean’s greatest joy was exploring the world with family and friends.  Her intelligence, charisma, generous nature, and genuine concern for others will be sorely missed. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years and their son, Shawn. 

Survivors include her son, Lance and his wife, Diane; daughter in law, Fariba; two grandchildren; and her brother, David Crist.

Friday
7
February

Memorial Service:

10:30 am
Friday, February 7, 2025
St. Stephen Presbyterian Church
2700 McPherson Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
817-927-8411