Rockwall, TX (February 5, 2026) – It’s always nice to start the week with a feel-good job. After a long week of ice, cold temperatures, and winter weather, Monday arrived with warm sunshine — the perfect setting for a truly special tree transplant.
This live oak was originally planted many years ago as a tiny sapling by Jennifer Humes, daughter of George and Toni Humes, longtime Rockwall residents of Chandlers Landing. Over the years, the tree was lovingly nurtured and grew into a beautiful, healthy live oak. Jennifer’s mother, Toni, an avid gardener, has carefully cared for the tree since Jennifer’s passing, honoring her daughter’s memory through its continued growth.
Many in the Rockwall community may remember Jennifer — whether as a classmate, friend, or as “The Clutter Queen,” helping organize and bring calm to so many people’s lives. Jennifer had a deep love for nature and the great outdoors. Though she did not have children of her own, she cared deeply for many children in the community and generously volunteered her time reading to them at Harry Myers Park, a place that held special meaning to her.
Jennifer passed away on January 5, 2023. As time went on, Toni realized the live oak had outgrown its current location at her home. Wanting to preserve the tree and ensure it continued to thrive, she reached out to Mark Johnson of Port-A-Tree, Inc., a company the Humes family had trusted for more than thirty years. As Mark always asks, his first questions were simple: Where will the tree be moved to, can it be easily accessed, and why does it need to be relocated?
After hearing the story behind the tree, Mark and Toni quickly agreed that a park would be the perfect new home — a place where Jennifer’s love of nature, children, and community could live on. Utility locations were carefully checked to ensure the tree could be safely relocated without impacting underground infrastructure.
Travis Sales with the City of Rockwall was contacted and wholeheartedly agreed that a park was the ideal final resting place for this meaningful tree. A location within Harry Myers Park was thoughtfully selected — one that will allow future generations to enjoy the shade, beauty, and presence of this live oak as it continues to mature into a majestic tree.
What made this project especially meaningful was that Toni herself was given the opportunity to be at the helm of the controls, helping to set the tree into the ground using the mechanical tree spade. It was a powerful and emotional moment — one that symbolized love, remembrance, and the continuation of life.
Live oaks are native to Texas and are known for their strength and longevity. They can reach heights of up to 50 feet, with expansive crowns spreading as wide as 100 feet at full maturity. Selecting an appropriate location with the tree’s ultimate size in mind is essential to ensuring its long-term success.
A memorial plaque will be placed at Harry Myers Park, honoring Jennifer’s life and legacy. This live oak will stand not only as a beautiful part of the landscape, but as a living reminder of a daughter, a gardener, a community helper, and a life that continues to touch others.
Submitted by Lisa Johnson, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.
A living legacy takes root at Rockwall’s Harry Myers Park added by Melanie M on
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