Jean Stover

Emma Jean Stover, age 95, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024. She was born May 19, 1928 in Pioneer, Oklahoma to Joseph and Mary Lona (Barton) Smith. Jean was the youngest of 8 children and grew up on the family farm. After graduation, she attended the Oklahoma College for Women where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She soon realized that her passion was teaching. She taught in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Most of her career was spent at Western Oaks Junior High School where she taught for over 30 years before retiring. Jean met Clarence LaGene Stover on a blind date and they were married in November of 1949. They enjoyed over 50 years of love and laughter when he passed away in 2002. Jean had a multitude of hobbies and talents. She was a published author, was in several local commercials, did many performances as the Dust Bowl Granny at local nursing homes, and did several performances with the Will Rogers Park Senior Center. She was part of the OKC Writers Organization as well as in the Alumni Hall of Fame for USAO. Jean was very crafty, from making countless buttons to painting. Not only did she dedicate her life to education, she devoted her life to Jesus. She was a long time member of Northwest Baptist Church where she volunteered her time whenever she could. She taught Sunday School, helped with meals, stuffed bulletins, and was part of the choir the “Glory Gang”. Recently she continued her fellowship with her daughter at Southern Hills Baptist Church and attended as long as her health would allow. Jean was an amazing wife and mother, a terrific Nana, and a friend to all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Stover; and 7 siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Janie Kelly; son and daughter-in-law, John and Vickie Stover; grandchildren, Kristofer (Kasey) Stover, Leslie (Greg) Linn, Mathew (Ashlie) Stover, and Emily Stover; great grandchildren, Loie Stover, Alex Linn, Nola Stover, Parker Linn, Conrad Stover, and Jason Linn; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family.

She was an amazing woman who had an amazing life.

Visitation will be 5pm-8pm Friday, May 10, 2024 at Bill Merritt Funeral Service.

A Celebration of Jean’s life will be 1pm Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Southern Hill Baptist Church with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.