Legacy of Love: Late Librarian Honored with Children's Book Dedication at Silsbee Elementary

December 13, 2024 - For more than 30 years, Mrs. Jean King devoted her life to Silsbee ISD, serving as the librarian at John Kirby Elementary from February 1966 to May 1997. Known for her warmth, dedication, and passion for reading, Mrs. King left a lasting mark on the district and its students. Her impact is now memorialized in a sweet tribute by her granddaughter, Kristin Winzer, through the gift of storytelling.

In honor of her grandmother, Kristin authored a children’s book titled Have you met a Doodle yet? and dedicated it to Silsbee Elementary School (SES). As a special gesture, Kristin donated multiple copies of the book to the SES library, in hopes that Mrs. King’s legacy continues to inspire students for generations to come.

The book dedication ceremony took place in the Silsbee Elementary Library. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Mrs. King's life and contributions, sharing stories that highlighted her positive impact. Among the attendees was 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Turk, who reminisced about how Mrs. King inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. Mrs. Turk served as one of Mrs. King's student aides.

The event concluded with a touching reading of Have you met a Doodle yet? by Kristin and her daughter, bringing the book—and Mrs. King’s enduring spirit—to life for everyone in attendance. Also, the book includes a special cameo of Mrs. King herself, a creative nod to her lasting presence in the hearts of those who knew her.

“Mrs. King was a pillar of the Silsbee ISD community, touching countless lives and shaping young minds,” said Kelsey Johnson, Silsbee ISD Director of Communications. “Though she is no longer with us, her legacy continues to thrive within the walls of the SES library. We are deeply grateful to Kristin and her family for this beautiful way of keeping her memory alive.”

Mrs. King’s story is one of love, dedication, and service, and her granddaughter’s touching tribute ensures that her influence will endure. Students at SES now have the chance to connect with her story and cherish her legacy, one page at a time.

If you would like a copy of Kristin's book, it is available for pre-order on amazon, or you can visit kristinwinzer.com