Audrey Rita John, beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was born on March 12, 1955, in New Boston, Texas and passed quietly in her home surrounded by family in Lake Jackson, Texas May 19, 2026.
Audrey was the kind of person who made people feel cared for simply by being around her. She was loyal, loving, creative, and steady — the kind of woman whose presence became part of the foundation of her family and friendships.
She graduated from Brazoswood High School in 1973. Audrey met the love of her life shortly after while riding around Lake Jackson with a friend, when she spotted a handsome young man driving by. She and asked, “Who is that?” Her friend replied, “That’s Tony” and she said, “I want to meet him.” They did meet and from that moment began a love story that would last a lifetime.
Audrey and Tony eloped on December 31, 1974. Their marriage was adventurous, passionate, and deeply devoted. They traveled, were members clubs, and went camping. One time they went camping with friends at Big Bend National Park, and it got so cold one night, she would laugh and say they all had to huddle together for warmth.
She devoted herself to raising their three children. And when Tony opened his own shop, Audrey stood beside him every step of the way, as the office manager and accountant for the business. They eventually moved their family to Fulshear, Texas and stayed there for 25 years to raise their children, before retiring to Lake Jackson.
Even when life brought challenges, Tony and Audrey relied on each other. They built a beautiful life together and remained married for 45 years until Tony’s passing in 2019. Their love was the kind people hope for — enduring, loyal, and real.
More than anything, Audrey loved her family. She leaves behind a legacy through her children: Courtney (John) Vance and son-in-law Ryan Vance, Anthony John, and Trevor John. She was also a proud grandmother to Dylan and Rhett Vance, who brought her tremendous joy.
Audrey is also survived by her dearest friends Mary Rouse and Mary Owens; Robert and Deena Smith; Terry “Dinkie” John; Jeffrey and Heather John; Kelsey John and David Reichel; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Tony John.
She will be remembered for her unwavering love for family and friends, her creativity and warmth, and the quiet strength and loyalty that defined her life. She loved irises and the color purple. To honor her memory, we ask guests to please wear a shade of purple to her memorial service.
Please join us to celebrate the life of Audrey Rita John on Saturday, June 13th at 10:00 a.m. at Stroud Funeral Home, 538 Brazosport Blvd N, Clute, TX.