One of the things some people may not know about him is he had a daughter. She was killed in a car accident in 1986.   I would like to dedicated this small page on racheljoyscott.net to Jenifer Lyn Strait and her memory.  I've always wanted to do something like this in honor of her, and recently I've been inspired to do just that.

The date was June 25, 1986 in San Marcos Texas.  Jenifer was riding with friends when the driver lost control of his ford mustang.   She lost her life that day.  The world lost an angel.  While I didn't know her personally, nor do I know much about her, my heart does go out to the Strait family and I feel for their loss.  When someone losses a loved one, the pain don't just go away.  In time it may fade, but there will always be that missing factor in our lives. 

It was only recently that he first spoke about his heartbreak, revealing to Country Weekly, "I got real private after I lost my daughter... I really shut things down."

George's fans were always there for him and helped in the healing process.  Their support, encouragement and prayers were a great factor in helping him get though this difficult time in his life. I admire his strength and his ability to be strong and continue on with life.

Shortly after the tragedy, the Strait's set up the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation. This memorial was established to keep Jenifer's memory alive.  The foundation benefits various children's charities.  Each year the earnings from that fund are donated to child-related charities, mostly in the San Antonio area where George lives.  Some of the organizations which have benefited are the Children's Shelter of San Antonio for abused and abandoned children, Baptist Children's Home, The San Antonio Police Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program, Youth Alternatives, Inc., and Operation Orphans Incorporated.

Frank Bohman, an officer and director of the Foundation, told Country Weekly, "Because of the courage and inspiration of George and Norma Strait, this trust has benefited countless young people in need, while keeping Jenifer's memory alive.

So I would like to dedicate this to you Jenifer.  May your memory always be alive in the hearts of the people that love you so much.  Just like Rachel, I look forward to seeing you on the other side someday!!  Rest in peace sweet angel.

If you would like to help keep Jenifer's memory alive, you can by giving donations to the following address:
 

The Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation
c/o Jeff Avant, President
P.O. Box 9
Dilley, Texas 78017-0009

A Poem for Jenifer by by Missy Broxson

Time has gone on
and the Loving Memory of Jenifer
still lives strong

The glimmer in her eyes
Still left in our lives

She is a star shining in the night
Such a beautiful sight

The more you stare
you feel her there

Watching over you Daddy,
Momma, and George Jr. too

You feel a little tingle
or maybe a shiver

You hear her sweet voice
She leaves you no choice

Please don't cry Daddy
I want you to be happy

I really never left you
And I will never forget you

I am here in your hearts
Forever

As you look away
You see a shooting star

Your heart fills with love
To know your baby girl is
forever with you
No matter how far

Other Links

Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation - Unofficial page dedicated to Jenifer.
George Strait - Official Site