Jean E. Greenlee, 90, passed away on August 8, 2023, at home surrounded by her loved ones. Born on January 25, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana she was the daughter of Gerald and Elsie (Solbrig) Carpenter.
She attended Argos High School, graduating with the class of 1951. On June 2, 1957 she married Jerry Greenlee in the Argos United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2006.
Jean was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Her Christian faith was strong, and she passed that on as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She had a servant’s heart and always put others before herself by helping friends, family members and neighbors when they needed it the most.
Serving as a radio dispatcher, cook and jail matron for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department when her husband, Jerry Greenlee, was the sheriff from 1957 – 1964. She went on later to work for Bottorff Chiropractic Clinic in Plymouth for a number of years.
She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed having coffee with her church friends on Sunday’s and many fun events with the “Card Club” girls over the years.
Jean will always be thought of for her kindness and positive nature. If you knew Jean well, you were probably the recipient of her incredible peanut butter cookies, which she will be long remembered for.
She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Jim) Smart of Plymouth; 5 grandchildren: Megan (Colin) McClain, Kimberly (J.J.) Kohne, both of Vancouver, WA., Kelly (Tyson) Schmidt of Happy Valley, Or., Matthew Smart of Plymouth; Haley Smart of San Diego, CA; 3 great-grandchildren Kailey Kohne and Maizey McClain of Vancouver, WA, and Eli Schmidt of Happy Valley, Or.; 2 sisters-in-law Doris and Pat Carpenter of Plymouth.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Debra Rensberger, son-in-law Paul Rensberger, brothers: Jack and Jerry Carpenter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A memorial service will immediately follow with Life Celebrant James Smart officiating.
To live-stream the memorial service on Saturday, August 19th at 2:00PM, please follow the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85858523574
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1476 W. 18th St., Rochester, Indiana 46975; Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 S Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563; or to Marshall County Humane Society, 11165 13th Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Rosie says
My condolences and prayers to Kathy and Jim. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Fred Webster says
I am sorry for your loss…she was a very nice person…
Tanya Terry says
Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss, my mom passed 7/8/22, I sure miss her and I glad I was there and it was peaceful. I hope you will find the peace also, God helps. Love to you and your family during this difficult time 💕💞
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Jean was a terrific lady. She was so kind and friendly.
She worked hard, cooking at the jail. I just can’t imagine, that tiny little lady, doing all of that work. We enjoyed visiting, when she would walk Josie, around the neighborhood.
You, and your sister, were blessed by having two wonderful parents, and they were blessed, by having two wonderful daughters, and families.
With love,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
💙🙏💙
Shirley Gidley says
Jean will always be remembered as the kind, sweet, smiling, woman that always had a kind word for everyone.
We all enjoyed being around Jean!
God Bless the entire family!
John M. Bottorff says
Jean was one of the nicest persons I have ever met. An absolutely beautiful woman typifying graciousness. It was my absolute pleasure to work with her. I’m sure she has a special place on n many hearts including mine. God Bless Her Soul and bring comfort to her family.
Valerie Harley says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Kathy. It sounds like your mom had a good, fulfilling life while here on planet earth. Now she’s with Jesus and your heavenly family. May all your many cherished memories bring a smile to your heart. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Please take care ~
Val Harley
Linda Starr says
Jim and Kathy,
May you find peace knowing that Jean is at peace from the confines of this world!
Please accept our sympathy and prayers!
Mary Beth Listenberger says
Jean was such a lovely lady, always kind, caring and gracious! What a wonderful life she lived! Sending lots of love and comfort to her beautiful family! Sincerely, The Listenberger Family
Shirley Hilliard says
Kathy and Jim,
So sorry for your loss. She was such a gracious and kind lady. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all.
Shirley Hilliard
Bonnie Bulger says
Jean was a good friend, and I will miss seeing her at church and having her with us at coffee.
Michael Christison says
Ms. Jean.. what a wonderful person. To me she was like a mother-in-law figure always loving and caring, priceless! Our world could use more people like her. 💞
Sam Maxwell says
Kathy, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to You and Jim. May God Bless
Beverly Hagan Eich says
I was so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. We spent many days together, with our paper dolls, many many years ago She was such a nice person, kind, a good friend. I know you and everyone that knows her will miss her
Jeanine Holderead Stephenson says
My sympathy and love to the Greenlee family. Jean was a lovely person and part of the Trinity UM Church family where I learned to know her and love her. Jean was a very warm hearted and friendly person.
With sympathy,
Jeanine Chase Holderead Stephenson
Ann Lemon says
Jean was my childhood friend and a very special, kind and caring person. She, Ila Herrin Warner and I were cheerleaders all through high school in Argos. Though I moved away, we have kept in touch. May God wrap His arms around her sweet family and those of us who miss her. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
Ann VanDerWeeleLemon
Dana Neer says
Dear Kathy,
Your mom- what a treasure to always keep!
She was a tremendous influence and joy to you for many years, and I know you are blessed by her Christian faith and the legacy of love for Christ she gave to you.
Love ya Kathy,
Dana
Bev Towle says
She was a very beautiful person in so many ways. The Don Towle family
Jeanette (Chase) Frick says
My heartfelt sympathy goes to Kathy, Jim & family plus the entire Greenlee family. Jean was such a lovely lady whose faith sustained her all these years. God grant you comfort & peace in the days ahead.
Susie Kirkley Fish says
Kathy, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She had such a quietness about her and the cutest laugh. You and Debbie and your parents used to live next door to us, and I babysat for you and Debbie several times. I don’t know if you remember that. I lost my husband, Jerry, coming up 2 years next month, and my sister, Cindy, several years ago. So sad, but happy they are in a better place now. Please get in touch with me. I am planning a trip to Plymouth and would love to catch up if you are in the area. Also, I am having trouble finding your book. (jerry.fish@bellsouth.net)
Matt says
Jean was a bright and kind spirit. I was always happy to see her and receive her smile. Love and warmth to Kathy and Jim and family.
Lynette Bowman says
I loved your mother such a Sweet Lady !