Jeanette Gourley Case

Jeanette Gourley Case, affectionately known as Granny, age 88, passed away peacefully April 29, 2026 in Denton, Texas. She was born July 23, 1937 in El Paso, Texas, to Irving and Henrietta Gourley.

Jeanette was raised in El Paso and graduated from Austin High School in 1955. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Home Economics from the University of Colorado in 1959 and later that year married Walter Savoye Case, Jr. 

Jeanette and Walt spent their first few years together in Killeen, TX, and then moved to Oklahoma City. In 1971 they moved to Hobbs, NM, which became their home for 53 years. As a stay-at-home Mom, Jeanette became involved in her children's activities including Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Choir Boosters, teaching Sunday School, serving on Youth Council, and Vacation Bible School. She sewed clothes for all her kids including dresses, formals, and costumes. She always welcomed their friends and many "strangers" into their home with wonderful hospitality. After spending twenty plus years raising their children, Jeanette renewed her teaching certificate and taught 3rd grade at Broadmore Elementary for 20 years. 

Jeanette stayed active in First Methodist Church over the years, serving on several boards and councils and playing in the bell choir. Upon retiring, she took to managing the church library, making prayer quilts, and helping begin a prayer ministry. Jeanette had a vibrant faith in Jesus, was active in the Walk to Emmaus, and prayed for all who were in need.

Jeanette and Walt loved to travel, visiting all 50 states, Europe, Australia, and Central America. They also shared many activities including Square Dancing, Gideons, Investment Club, and Friends of the Library. In her "spare" time, Jeanette loved reading, needle work, working puzzles, playing games including Bridge, watching musicals and murder mystery shows, writing encouraging notes, and sending birthday and anniversary cards. She adored her grandchildren and spending time with them. Jeanette was a loving, devoted wife/mother/granny, a caring friend, a wonderful contributor to society, a prayer warrior, and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

Jeanette is survived by her husband Walt of Denton; her children Charlotte Place (Don) of Denton, TX, Sarah Gobin (Dan) of Lubbock, TX, Jenny Abbott (Bruce) of Alamogordo, NM, Joe Case (Monica) of Keller, TX, and Bill Case (Wendy) of Clovis, NM; twelve grandchildren--Stephen Place (Arianna), Laney Abbott, Nathan Place (Bonnie), Grace Abbott Hollenbeck (Drake), Simon Abbott, Brittany Case Ali (Asim), Josh Case, Bonnie Abbott, David Case, Jenna Case, Ryan Case, and Caleb Case; and five great-grandchildren---Julian, Evelyn, Margaret, Everett, and Ezra. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents Henrietta and Irving Gourley.

A memorial service for Jeanette will be held May 30 at 2:00pm at Asbury United Methodist Church, 117 Hercules Dr., Denton, TX. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube: AsburyUMCDenton and Facebook: Asbury United Methodist Church in Denton, TX. 

The family asks that memorials be made to Sacramento Camp and Conference Center, PO Box 8, Sacramento, NM 88347 OR to your favorite local food bank.