Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation

Shortly before midnight on June 25, 1986 in San Marcos, Texas a tragedy happened which would forever change the lives of the Strait family.

Jenifer Strait was riding with friends when the driver lost control of his Ford mustang as he attempted to take a turn too fast. The car rolled over, not far from the Strait home. Jenifer's window was open, and she did not have a seat belt on. The thirteen year old daughter of Norma and George Strait lost her life; the only fatality of the one-car non-alcohol related accident.

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(From her parents)

"Jenifer had so many special friends. So many that Norma and I couldn't keep up with them a lot of the time. But we never met one of them we didn't like. They were special to her; they were special to us. Her very special love of all though was her brother Bubba. To watch them together and the way she watched over him made us know he was always safe with her no matter what. He loved her back in the same way and always will, just as we always will. She was like a second mother to Bubba in a way. They had their arguments like brother and sister but in the end she always made Bubba feel like he came out on top,"

"Her cousins Shane, Wade, Kara, Trey and Walker were also special to her. There was always closeness between them that I don't ever remember having when I was young. They all love each other very much."

"We will all miss Jenifer very much and we will never forget her and her smile and laugh."

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We will never know the effect that Jenifer could have had on others during her lifetime, but long time fans of George Strait knew the effect her loss had on her family. George immersed himself into his work and avoided interviews. It was a difficult time for the Strait family.

In a letter to his fans, included in a "Strait Talk" issue, George expressed his thanks to his fans for their support, and dedicated that issue of "Strait Talk" to the memory of Jenifer.

The Foundation survives strictly through private donations, which come mostly by word-of-mouth from friends and fans. Unlike other charities, there are no high-profile concerts or celebrity events that surround the fund. That's just not George's style. Established strictly as a charitable donation to preserve the memory of Jenifer Strait, contributions to the trust are placed in an investment fund. Each year the earnings from that fund are donated to child-related charities, mostly in the San Antonio area where George and his family live.

The Foundation continues to support various children's charities. Some of the organizations which have benefited are Boysville, Greater San Marcos Youth Council, Dare to Love Rainbow Room, Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio, Youth Alternatives, Carver Academy, and St. Judes Ranch.

Your kindness and generosity will be greatly appreciated.

The Foundation is obviously close to George's heart. He is still so pained by the tragedy that it's difficult for him to discuss it. It was't until a few years ago that he first quietly spoke about his heartbreak, revealing to Country Weekly,

"I got real private after I lost my daughter... I really shut things down."

George made the decision that nothing worse could happen, that he would always make his family his priority, and if it hurt his career, so be it.

The first single from George's album "Somewhere Down In Texas" (released in June of 2005) had special meaning for him. He stated in an interview that he had faith, and believed they would meet again someday.

George's heartfelt and wonderful interpretation of this song leaves no question as to why the song is special. Watching him do this song in concert always brought tears to my eyes. I have included the lyrics here on Jenifer's page as it seemed so appropriate, it seemed like they belonged here on her page.

"You'll Be There"

By Cory Mayo

Well, hope is an anchor and love is a ship

Time is the ocean, and life is a trip.

You don't know where you're goin' til you know where you're at

And if you can't read the stars, well you better have a map

A compass and a conscience so you don't get lost at sea

Or on some old lonely island where no one wants to be

From the beginning of creation I think our maker had a plan

For us to leave these shores and sail beyond the sand

And let the good light guide us through the waves and the wind

To the beaches in a world where we have never been

And we'll climb up on the mountain, ya'll, we'll let our voices ring

And those who never tried it, they'll be the first to sing

Oh my, my

I'll see you on the other side if I make it

And it might be a long hard ride, but I'm gonna take it

Sometimes it seems that I don't have a prayer

I let the weather take me anywhere

But I know that I wanna go where the streets are gold

'Cause you'll be there

Oh my, my

Well, you don't bring nothin' with you here,

and you can't take nothin' back

I ain't never seen a hearse with a luggage rack

So I've torn my knees up prayin', scarred my back from fallin' down

I've spent so much time flyin' high 'til I'm face first in the ground

So if you're up there watching me, would you talk to God and say

Tell him I might need a hand to see you both someday

Oh my, my

So I'll see you on the other side if I make it

And it might be a long hard ride, but I wanna take it

Sometimes it seems that I don't have a prayer

I let the weather take me anywhere

But I know that I wanna go where the streets are gold

'Cause you'll be there

Oh my, my

'Cause you'll be there

Oh my, my

Please note;

I am not a Jenifer Strait Foundation employee, I am a long time George Strait admirer and supporter. I started this page years ago with the main purpose of destroying rumors and gossip by putting the truth out there for the fans to find. My additional purpose is to keep Jenifer's memory alive by keeping this page going, by supporting Bubba, Norma, and George, and the Jenifer Strait Foundation. If you wish to make a donation please send it to the address above. Thank you for your support.

~ Linda Robbins