Winnie Elizabeth Hughes Jacobs, a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in San Antonio, dedicated her retirement to supporting the church and its members.

Winnie Elizabeth Hughes Jacobs, a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in San Antonio, dedicated much of her retirement to supporting her congregation and fellow Christian Scientists in need. She served as either First or Second Reader for most of the past 15 years, finding great spiritual growth in this role. Her commitment to the church reflected her deep faith and belief in the importance of community and spiritual service.

Elizabeth was greatly concerned by the decline of church membership in virtually all churches, a trend she could not imagine a world without. While many might have pursued travel or other personal endeavors, she chose to remain in San Antonio, focusing her energy on church affairs. For Elizabeth, the church became a vital part of her life, offering a sense of family and purpose that she found difficult to replace.

She was also a guardian of two developmentally disabled Christian Scientists, spending time and resources to care for them. This role underscored her belief in the importance of caring for one another within the Christian Science community. Her actions reflected a commitment to the principles of love, service, and spiritual care that are central to the teachings of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth demonstrated a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility. She worked in Bill Clements’ 1978 campaign for Governor of Texas and later in his administration. She also worked for private consulting firms involved with polling and economic analysis before moving to Houston in 1982. There, she met her husband, Philip Dean Jacobs, and they were married in 1983. Their lives were deeply intertwined, and she found fulfillment in her role as a wife and a devoted member of her church.

Elizabeth’s legacy is one of service, faith, and community. Her life and work exemplify the values of the Church of Christ, Scientist, particularly the emphasis on spiritual growth, care for others, and the importance of a supportive congregation. Her passing leaves a void in the San Antonio community, but her impact will be felt through the continued efforts of those she inspired and supported.

As the Bible reminds us in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Elizabeth’s life embodied these principles, and her dedication to her faith and community will continue to inspire others.

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