Jennie Louise “Jaynie” Short, 84, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on Nov. 21, 2025. She was born on Aug. 6, 1941, in Odessa, Texas, to William Larry Henson and Velva Marie Mealer.
Jaynie made her home in Dayton for the past 43 years, after previously living in Houston. She met the love of her life, David Joe Short, when they were just 15 years old. Their bond grew into a beautiful marriage that lasted 53 years until his passing. Together, they built a life grounded in love, hard work, and deep devotion to their family.
A determined and compassionate woman, Jaynie worked tirelessly to become an LVN. She served in labor and delivery and later worked at Magnolia Place in Liberty. She also spent time as a realtor in Dayton, forming lasting relationships within her community. Beyond her work, Jaynie found her spiritual home at Grace Community Church in Dayton, where she was a long-time member.
Jaynie was a strong Christian woman who lived her values each day. She believed firmly in the saying, “spare the rod and spoil the child,” and raised her family with both discipline and abundant love. She excelled as a homemaker, and her baking and cooking were cherished by all who had the privilege to enjoy them. Though private by nature, when Jaynie welcomed you into her life, she loved deeply and wholeheartedly.
One of her most treasured traditions was celebrating her birthdays at Chuck E. Cheese, sharing joy and laughter with her children and grandchildren. Those memories will forever be held close by the many who loved her.
Jaynie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Joe Short; and seven of her siblings.
She is survived by her son, William David Short; her daughter, Cheryl June Reedy, and husband Mike; her sister, Sharon Tewksbury; her grandchildren, Michael David Reedy II, Michelle Diana Reedy, Zachary Charles Short and wife Hannah, and Jacob David Short; her great-grandchildren, Nickolas Tyler Garcia and Sofia Rose Rodriguez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, also at Pace Stancil, followed by burial at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton.
Jaynie will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her generosity, and the love she shared so freely with those blessed enough to know her. She will be deeply missed.