The Shreveport Times

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Obituaries

Jean Ricks Driver

Highland Cemetery, Mansfield, LA

SHREVEPORT, LA - Jean Driver, loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, was born to parents Billy and Bessie Ricks on May 24, 1924, in Mansfield, Louisiana; and she died on May 2, 2006 at her Shreveport home surrounded by family. Mrs. Driver fought a long and courageous battle with heart failure. She was 81 years old.

Dr. Driver's professional life was devoted to the education of elementary children. In 1965 she received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Centenary College. She received her Masters Degree from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1967 and her Doctorate Degree in 1972 from Northwestern University in Natchitoches. Dr. Driver worked for Caddo Parish Schools for almost 30 years. She was an elementary school teacher, supervisor of student teachers, curriculum coordinator, principal and elementary math supervisor. For the last six years of her professional life Dr. Driver was Director of Elementary Education overseeing 16 Caddo Parish schools. Dr. Driver was also a part-time instructor at Baptist Christian College, Director of summer workshops for Avoyelles Parish elementary teachers, and part-time instructor for Northwestern State University. She was a member of Alpha Chi, Delta Kappa Gamma International, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Delta Kappa. She was selected for the "Education's Hall of Fame Award", Centenary College, in 1964 and in 1986 as Caddo Association of Educators Administrator of the Year. Dr. Driver loved children as was evident in both her professional and personal life.

Mrs. Driver was a dedicated member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church and former member of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed Bible study and teaching Sunday School Classes. She participated in church circles. She loved to play bridge and made sure all of her grandchildren learned to play before her death.

Mrs. Driver was preceded in death by Robert (Bob) Driver and Jim Wimberly. She is survived by her only sibling, Ada Lee Ricks Broussard; brother-in-law, Bud Broussard; only child, Billie Ricks Driver Ballengee; son-in-law, Bruce Ballengee; and grandchildren, Jason Ballengee, Brooke Ballengee, and William Wilson Ballengee. Mrs. Driver is survived by close cousins Mary Ricks Dixon, a lifelong friend and confidante, affectionately referred to as "Sister", Patricia Dixon, James Dixon, and Preston Dixon. She is also survived by cousin and lifelong friend, Athlyn Boswell, whom the family wishes to thank for her unfailing help, support and friendship to Mrs. Driver during her entire lifetime.

Mrs. Driver's family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ralph Baucum and his staff for the loving, compassionate and professional care provided Mrs. Driver. The length and quality of her life was prolonged by Dr. Baucum's many efforts for well over a decade.

The burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on May 4, 2006 at Highland Cemetery, Mansfield, Louisiana. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., May 4, 2006, Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport; Pastors Ed Thomas and Conrad Edwards officiating. The family will receive visitors following the memorial service in the Parlor of Broadmoor United Methodist Church at approximately 11:15 a.m. Honorary pallbearers are James Hamilton Dixon, Preston Dixon, James Taylor Boswell, Warren Harris, Clyde Love, Jason Ballengee and Bill Kendrick.

Mrs. Driver's body will lie in state from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. May 3, 2006 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport where flowers will be received. Donations can be made in Jean Driver's memory to Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Drive, 861-0586, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall St. Chapel, 222-0348.