- Date Of Birth: May 23, 1929
- Date Of Death: July 26, 2015
- State: Arizona
A Tribute to Jean from her children
Daughter Debra’s Tribute –
There are no words to Bless and to give the Honor, Respect and Praise that my Mother deserved. Mom is the strongest, most accomplished “Mom” and woman that I know. and loved her children, family and friends with an unconditional love that knew no bounds. Mom was the kindest, and most generous, the faith-filled, wise and beautiful woman that has ever been a part of my life. Mom fervently prayed that I would live when I was born, and against all odds, I was restored to health and life. Mom poured out a love and created a place to grow with roots and wings, continuing to believe in me, when circumstances took me down. Sacrificing to help us with a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes on our back. Mom went above and beyond that to open doors for my children enabling them to pursue their giftings and talents, through the being confident that would not miss out on anything by being from my single parent home, as she invested in their schools, singing, sports, running and dancing. When Mom had every right and privilege and to experience a retirement of travel and new beginnings, she instead chose to attend every graduation and most every school activity, dance recital, awards ceremony, a wedding and parties…doing so at great cost by traveling thousands of miles 2-3 times a year.
Her only thoughts for the past 28 years were that of her daughter and of the the children to come. Her pride, joy and boastings were never about she had done or how amazing she was, but that of all of her children’s accomplishments. She had many loyal friends from her and also my childhood, was an instant friend to all she met, and loved each of them with a Christ-like love, without judgment.
The beauty of her smile and hugs were exceeded by the beauty than flowed from the inside out. Mom was a fervent prayer warrior and continued to love and persevere in spite of her life circumstances. Without a moment of doubt, she is wearing a Crown of Jewels, a Robe of Righteousness covered in brilliant jewels, and is certainly bustling around the Heavens investing in all of her neighbors!
I love you, Mom. I have lost my Mom and my best friend. I have a place in my heart that is now empty, but I am committed to living out the life that you have always hoped, prayed and dreamed that I would have. Because of what you have taught “Our” children, we will all experience the joy of being and becoming who we have been created to be and to become. And, I believe shine a light as a reflection of both you and our Savior Jesus.
Mom, you are now in the arms of Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior, dancing with your dance partners and friends and hugging without ceasing, your own amazing and beautiful Mother, Annette. Your Legacy of Love has changed the course of each of us and we only hope to pass that on and live a life that will validate, bless and glorify both you and our Savior. Mom left in peace, confident of where she be spending eternity. I look forward to being with you someday to share eternity with you.
Granddaughter Kara’s Tribute –
Loving, kind, beautiful, and amazing are just a few words that describe grandma’s gorgeous soul. She was everything a grandmother was supposed to be and even more. She was taken for granted on occasion and yet she still came back to us for more. While I remember all of the good times, I also remember the sacrifices she made in order to bring us happiness. We owe her for continuously having a roof over our heads, presents under the Christmas tree, and for making us feel like the most important people in the world. She never cared if she received anything in return, but we tried our best to give her our love. I remember constantly reminding her of her beauty and her not wanting to accept it. She never knew how we truly admired her or how much we needed her in our life. Grandma would apologize for “being trouble”, but what she never knew is that I would do anything for her and nothing that she asked of us could ever repay her for what she had done for us. She was a role model when it came to her faith, the way she lived, and how much love she was able to give. She was taken away too abruptly and suffered through much more than she ever deserved. I rest easy in knowing that she is dancing with her mother and finally out of pain. Although I will never stop missing her I know that she is always with me in my heart. My life is forever changed because of this beautiful woman and I’m only sad that not everyone was as privileged as me to know her. No amount of time was long enough with her, but I’m blessed with the time that I was given. I love you beautiful and I can’t wait to be reunited with you one day.
Granddaughter Katina’s Tribute –
The beauty, peace, joy and kindness radiated from this woman! She knew how to make anyone smile and laugh, and made the best friend any one could ask for. Her life was a blessing to all the people she came in contact with and I’m the lucky one that had the privilege of calling her my grandmother.
She fought long and hard for me and my siblings. Our entire lives she was there for every monumental moment and even for the everyday tantrums. While she’s my grandma first, she was also a 2nd mother to me. Treating us like we were the best gift she had ever received, and loving us through every mistake we ever made (and there were plenty). She always wanted to make sure we were okay and taken care of, and early on Sunday, July 26, 2015, as she was listening to us all laugh and recalling memories she opened her beautiful eyes and took her last breathe. As each of her 5 children were standing by her side encouraging her to dance her way to her mom. That moment is forever engraved in my heart. The love she had for us and everyone she knew was unconditional, and one of the best gifts we’ve ever been blessed to possess!
I’m not sure how this transition will be.. I lost my grandma, my mom, and finally my best friend. She has a place in my heart that no one and nothing can fill. As we all come together, we see the love, strength and stubbornness she instilled in each of us and we can only pray that we make her one proud woman as she watches over us!
It’s a blessing in disguise to know that she’s no longer in pain, and can dance, see her mom and the love of her life and meet God! The peace within her after we prayed was a beautiful way to end her wonderfully caring and blessing others unconditionally!
I will see you again someday grandma!! And I am waiting in great anticipation! Rest easy grandma, we’re all her to lift up one another and can only do so because you taught us so much! There’s no words to describe how much you influenced and encouraged my life and I pray everyday that I made you proud!!! I love you grandma!!!!!
Grandson Kristopher’s Tribute –
My grandma was the most amazing, loving, and strong woman to walk this planet. She was the embodiment of a saint. There was not a single person that she would not do everything in her power to help in whatever way they needed. With the biggest heart I have ever known, she was able to touch and change so many lives for the better. I was blessed to be able to spend the last five years living with her every day. I can still remember all of the days that she woke me up at 4 A.M. to go walk the canal, begrudgingly sometimes, I wished that I could just go back to sleep, but I am so happy that she forced the issue. This was a time where I was able to walk with her arm in arm and just talk about everyday things and take in the beauty all around us. She loved being able to stop in a specific spot where we would see the fish swimming and feeding and the families of ducks that would be playing in the water, bobbing up and down. She would tell me we can go walking and that she would allow me to go to sleep when we got back, and in that time that I was napping she would make breakfast for the two of us. She loved to take care of everyone no matter what it was and she was so good at it.