Jean Ann Winter, 84, passed away on Tuesday May 29th 2018 in Jacksonville FL at Sunrise Senior living.
Jean was born on May 14, 1934 on the family farm in Beadle County, South Dakota. She graduated from Virgil High School in 1952.
She met her husband Jim, of 62 years in Huron, South Dakota on a double date with her roommate. They were married in 1954. They had three daughters in South Dakota, Lauri, Susan, and Sharon.
They both felt called to serve the church. They began their mission in Eagle Butte South Dakota on the reservation and went on to spend 28 years in the Congo, Togo and Zimbabwe in Africa as agricultural and development missionaries.
When Jim and Jean returned to the US they settled in Jacksonville, FL where their middle daughter Susan lived. They lived in Jacksonville for nineteen years where they enjoyed spending time with Susan and their grandkids. They remained active members of the Arlington United Church of Christ throughout their time in Jacksonville.
They spent 10 years in Snowflake AZ from 2007 -2017. Jean was again involved with her local church and bible study and enjoyed the fellowship of her neighborhood friends. She moved back to Jacksonville FL where her daughter Susan lives after her beloved husband, Jim, died.
Jean’s joy in life was her family, her faith, her mission and her flowers. She relished the family gatherings, and was a gracious host, and enthusiastic guest. She loved to travel with Jim and they saw the world together visiting 14 countries in Europe, Africa, South and Central America and many of the national parks in more than 8 states. She will be remembered for her grateful spirit, her generous and supportive love. As a sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend she touched the lives of so many people.
Survivors include her sister Yvonne Sprecher, three daughters; Lauri Winter, Susan Zona, Sharon Neely, five grandchildren; Jason Neely, Mileta Bailey, Nick Neely, Natasha Kawasaki, Kenzo Kawasaki, two great grandsons; Eli and Luke Bailey and a great granddaughter; Natalie Neely and all of their families.
A committal service will be held graveside at Riverside Cemetery in Huron 1940 Frank Ave. SE on July 7th 2018 at 11 am. Lunch and reminiscing will follow at the Congregational United Church of Christ 505 California Ave SW in Huron.
Local arrangements handled by Naugle Schnauss Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 808 Margaret Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204, 904-683-9288
