Jean Matilda Berger

Jean Matilda (Loftin) Berger, 68, of Portland, TX passed away peacefully at home with her husband at her side, entering eternal glory on April 25, 2025.

Jean was born in San Antonio, TX May 9th, 1956 to Jim and Martha Loftin. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, San Antonio, TX in 1974, attended San Antonio College, and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1978, with her degree in Education. She received her Master’s Degree from Corpus Christi State University (now called Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi).

Jean was a Special Education elementary school teacher for 21 years, teaching first in Taft, TX and then in Portland at the Intermediate School. She was campus “Teacher of the Year” for the 2006-2007 school year. Her students and their parents loved her! She retired in 2016.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jack; daughter Abigail (Travis) Glisson; son Andrew (Lindsey) Berger; grandchildren Jackson, Braden, and Hannah; brothers Rusty (Leanne) Loftin and Kirk Loftin; brother-in-law Allen (Diane) Berger; sister-in-law Debra (Mike) Seefeld; cousins Kathy Ruple and Sally Johnson who were like sisters to her; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. All who knew Jean were touched by her sweetness, her love of life and all living things, and especially her love for her Savior, Jesus, which was always evident. Jean was fun to be around, never met a stranger and had a smile that would light up a room.

Jean received Christ as her Savior at age 13. She was a woman who prayed, and served her Savior faithfully through His church, teaching God’s Word for decades, singing in the choir, going on mission trips, sometimes performing the most menial tasks that would be noticed and rewarded by God alone. Jean loved to pour herself into the lives of others, always preferring to serve, rather than being served. She was a humble woman, never wanting to be in the spotlight and always preferred to serve “behind the scenes” when she could. To God be ALL the glory!

Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00-8:00PM on Friday, May 9th, at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Dr. in Portland, TX. A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, May 10th, at First Baptist Church, 1305 Wildcat Dr. in Portland, TX. Burial will immediately follow the service at Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery. After the burial there will be a reception at the church, including a light lunch in the church Fellowship Hall.

If you would prefer, in lieu of flowers, Jean would be very honored if you would make a donation to the Christian Aid (Benevolence) Fund at First Baptist Church, 1305 Wildcat Dr., Portland, TX 78374. A donation receipt will be sent to you.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com