Jean Buford

Jean Conner Buford, 103, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026.

Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in White’s Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in White’s Chapel of Memories.

Interment: Garden of Memories, 6412 N. I-20, Sweetwater.

Jean was born May 12, 1923, to Charles Montgomery Conner and Leila Jeanes Conner in Haskell, TX. She graduated from Haskell High School as salutatorian and went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in 1944. During World War II, she proudly served her country in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) of the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, completing her service honorably. During her time in the military she was part of the singing platoon in New York City where she met U.S. Presidents and other dignitaries.

Jean met her future husband, Brad Buford, when they were in the fifth grade. They began dating in high school, but after graduation he joined the Army Air Corps. They reunited in Haskell following the war and were married on May 22, 1949. They shared 59 years of marriage and raised their family in Sweetwater. Throughout their lives together, Jean and her husband attended the First Baptist Church when they lived in Sweetwater, Weatherford and Fort Stockton.

Jean dedicated her life to education and service. She taught elementary school in Sweetwater and Fort Stockton and later served as the children’s librarian at the Weatherford Public Library. She was involved in Brownie Scouts, PTA, women’s outreach organizations, and numerous community service activities. She loved her children deeply and always wanted to be around them. She had a great sense of humor and was known for her intelligence, kindness, and genuine desire to serve others.

Jean’s love of people was evident throughout her life. She had countless friends and remained active and engaged wherever she lived – even into her later years. She was fluent in Spanish and was especially involved with the Spanish-speaking Baptist Church in Fort Stockton, where she often sang. Music was an important part of Jean’s life. She sang in church choirs, performed solos at weddings, churches, and funerals, and was an amazing piano player. She was also an artist who enjoyed crocheting and crossword puzzles in her free time.

Jean will be remembered for her kindness, quick wit, her intelligence, love of music, and lifelong commitment to serving others. Most of all, she cherished the people around her and the many friendships she formed throughout her long and meaningful life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Forest Bradley Buford Sr., her parents, Charles Montgomery Conner and Leila Conner; her son, Forest Bradley Buford Jr.; and her sister, Geraldine Conner Lam.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Ann Buford-Stephenson and husband J.D.; her niece, Elizabeth Brannan; and nephews, David Lam, Warren Lam, and Conner Lam.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, friendship, and love that will continue through her family and all those whose lives she touched.