Jewell Marie Lockhart's Obituary
Obit_________________________________________________________ Jewell Spriggs Lockhart, B.A. M.P.A.Mid-Century Master Horologist and Jeweler, Jewell Spriggs Lockhart, Dies at 92Jewell M. Lockhart (Jewell Marie White Spriggs), a mid-century master horologist, jeweler, realtor, and longtime employee of the City of Houston has died after a brief illness. She was 92.Jewell Marie White, the daughter of the Reverend Thomas Wesley White and Bessie Courtney White, was born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 26, 1923. The family relocated to Houston, Texas during the Great Depression and joined the fellowship of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church where her father was appointed Associate Minister.After graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1939, Ms. Lockhart secured an apprenticeship and throughout World War II, pursued a vocation as a silversmith and goldsmith. Her curiosity expanded to include her love of watches and clocks and in 1947, and she became the first African American female to be granted a license as a Horologist by the State of Texas. She continued her work in this profession while simultaneously pursuing her real estate broker’s license which was issued in 1960. Ms. Lockhart was recognized as P.T.A. President Emerita at Phillis Wheatley High School in 1962, after spearheading a two-year capital fundraising campaign to replace uniforms for the famed Wheatley marching band.Ms. Lockhart relocated to San Francisco, California in 1971 to assist her daughter, Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., in managing her demanding personal and professional obligations. Never one to remain idle, Ms. Lockhart pursued her lifelong passion and in 1977, earned her B.A. from Lincoln University, her Masters in Public Administration in 1979, and completed her first year of law school. In the late 1970s, her god sister introduced her to Roy A. Lockhart, whom she married in 1985 and with whom she enjoyed some of the most joyful years of her life.Following the example of her mother and in the true sense of missionary commitment, she was consistent in her dedication to the welfare of children. In addition to her beloved daughters, Ms. Lockhart guided, protected, and encouraged six extended family youths through their childhood and college years. Her most passionate commitments have been to her daughters, Myrone O. Chandler and Brenda B. Spriggs,M.D., her son-in-law, Zealous D. Wiley, Jr., M.D., her grandchildren, Tanya Chandler, Gabrielle Samantha Wiley, Zealous D. Wiley III (spouse, Adrienne Lee Wiley), and to her great-grands, Brandon Hill and Danielle Hill. Jewell Marie Lockhart continually accepted challenges for herself, while embracing her faith and her dedication to family with creativity, joy, and grace. She leaves a treasure trove of surrogate children and dear friends whom she inspired with her vitality, her unconditional love, and her authentic spirit!
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