Bertha Jean Campbell Stilley, known to us all as Jean, was born Nov. 7, 1928, at Upton, Mo. She would become the oldest daughter to loving parents Rev. W.E. “Earl” and Lula O Ragain Campbell. Jean departed this life with family by her side and arrived at her heavenly home from Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Mo., on Jan. 18, 2016, making her age 87 years, 2 months and 11 days.
Jean married Lyle Calvin Stilley on Nov. 2, 1948, beginning their life together in Upton then moving to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1955. Work took them to Topeka, Kan., in 1958, and then Jean returned to Upton in 1965 where she spent the remainder of her life.
Jean and Lyle had six children: Lila Jean Davis; Arden Ray (Rocky) of Meriden, Kan.; Loretta Kay Jordan (Johnnie) of Houston, Mo.; Garold Monroe of Plato, Mo.; Donald Edward (Kathy) of Ozark, Mo.; and Carl Keith of Meriden, Kan. Jean also cared for her oldest grandson, Bobby Lee Brown of Ozark, Mo., for many years.
Being a preacher’s kid, Jean attended church from a young age later knowing the importance of attending and having a desire to do so. She moved her church membership to Faith Assembly, Topeka while residing in Kansas then back to Peace Chapel Assembly of God upon her return to Upton. She was faithful to attend whenever there was a service. Jean was always ready to volunteer and served in many capacities: she loved to sing special songs, taught a Sunday school class, assisted in Bible School, and her longest role as church treasurer.
For many years Jean was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Her employment with the HD Lee Company, Houston, Mo., in the early 1970s would allow her many new friends and acquaintances and last about 15 years. Forced to take an early retirement at the initial plant closing, she then did babysitting in her home for many neighborhood children, forming a lasting bond with each one.
Family and friends were always welcomed into Jean’s home with plenty of coffee and water –– but no tea! She would insist you have something to eat. She perfected her hot roll recipe and guests were always eager to enjoy “Jean’s buns,” especially when hot from the oven. She loved sharing her no-bake cookies and peanut brittle. Jean has hand-sewn many quilt pieces blessing family members and a few friends with her quilts. While sitting sewing, she loved watching birds, particularly hummingbirds, Tiger Woods golfing, the Lady Bears basketball or Wheel of Fortune on TV. She had a knack for starting and growing flowers. She loved to competitively play Dominoes or Aggravation and would occasionally let her opponent win!
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lavena Campbell and Bessie Campbell; daughter, Lila Davis; daughters-in-law, Rhonda Stilley and Joyce Stilley; and brother-in-law, Dearl Daugherty.
Jean is survived by her brothers, Clifford R Campbell, Bucyrus, Mo., and Delbert E Campbell, Plato, Mo.; sisters, Jessie M Daugherty, Blue Springs, Mo., and Marilyn A Brown, Merriam Woods, Mo.; five children; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The community and humanity as a whole has lost an advocate for happiness, contentment and the value of living a good Christian life. Christ decided it was time to reward a disciple. Jean will be missed by family and friends while heaven is rejoicing her arrival.
Services were 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Clyde Stage and Phillip Nava officiating. Burial was in Hickory Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Brian Jordan, Alben Stilley, Bobby Brown, Laramie Stilley, Devin Stilley, Adam Strieby and Josh Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers were: John Jordan, Colton Phillips, Josiah Moad and Dwoght Wamsley, III.
Memorials may be made to Hickory Ridge Cemetery, in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
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