I have so many memories of aunt Jean. I remember getting so excited to go visit "that big" house. I used to think it was so huge. We would run in the doors and run around in a circle through the living room to the kitchen/dinning room. Then into the bedroom to jump on the bed. Then there were those stairs where my "very cool much older" redheaded goofy cousin was hanging out. I always had fun visiting. Aunt Jean was a wonderful Godly woman who lived her life so others would see Christ through her. Her and my grandma both were amazing women, who loved, served, & gave. They did all of it with love.
Aunt Jean was like my grandmother,  they were prayer warriors.  If they said they were praying for you then you bet they were. They were the most kind loving women you could meet. Instead of buying new furniture or updating their modest homes,  they gave unselfishly to anyone they could. I remember as an adult going by to visit in my yellow school bus, she thought it was cool. Although, she did say she was shocked when it pulled up. I know aunt Jean is happy to be reunited with her husband and siblings.  
I used to ask her how she was feeling and she always said, "I'm feeling great, I'm waiting for the rapture"!!! I must admit I am a but jealous she gets to see my grandma.  Oh how I miss her........... Aunt Jean you will be missed ??????

Before her illness prohibited her from leaving the nursing home for outside visits I had a memorable lunch with Aunt Jean. My parents, Linda and I picked her up and took her to a local restaurant. She was in her wheelchair then but was still able to get around. We ordered our meals, I think she ordered a healthy bowl of soup and a sandwich, while I ordered a juicy cheeseburger and fries. She said "OH" when she saw my fries. I offered her some and she nodded and said "no I am not allowed". A few minutes into the causal table discussion going on, I looked over and out of the corner of my eye saw her hand very delicately reach over and "steal" a few fries. I offered again, "no, I can't" she said with a sly look and "evil" gleam in her eye. I will miss her humor. But am glad that she is no longer in pain and is with her Lord.

Angel Cummings 
Orland Park, IL

Before her illness prohibited her from leaving the nursing home for outside visits I had a memorable lunch with Aunt Jean. My parents, Linda and I picked her up and took her to a local restaurant. She was in her wheelchair then but was still able to get around. We ordered our meals, I think she ordered a healthy bowl of soup and a sandwich, while I ordered a juicy cheeseburger and fries. She said "OH" when she saw my fries. I offered her some and she nodded and said "no I am not allowed". A few minutes into the causal table discussion going on, I looked over and out of the corner of my eye saw her hand very delicately reach over and "steal" a few fries. I offered again, "no, I can't" she said with a sly look and "evil" gleam in her eye. I will miss her humor. But am glad that she is no longer in pain and is with her Lord.

You will sorely be missed, Jean. I'll always remember your kindness and friendship. Your smile and sweet attitude.

Over the last few days I can't help to continually stroll through the memories of your place in my life. The love you have shown, the examples I saw in you. You planted the seeds in my heart of 'wanting' what you had with the Lord. I know I will never get to the level of the sweet closeness you had with HIM, that took a life time of striving to stay in HIS will. As I saw in you. Don't know if I ever told you that when we picked out the house we live in, it was because it was the house of my dreams, the house that reminded me of my aunt Jeans, where so many happy memories were made. I love you and appreciate you for the place you held in my life more than, I'm sure, you ever knew. I will miss you while I remain in this world but look forward to seeing you again. Give my Nana and Aunt Joan a hug from those of us that are still missing you all.

I am so gonna miss you grandma. I find comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain and that I will see you again one day. I will cherish the times we had together, good and bad. I loved being roommates with you and getting to joke with you. It was a lot of fun. I'll always remember the things you've taught me and take them with me. I love you so much Grandma.

Today I lost one of my prayer warriors.  One whose heart was fixed on God, one whose life in many ways reflected Christ.  No, Grandma was not perfect and she would have been the first to tell you, but she loved God.  How do I know, I experienced the compassion, mercy and grace of God through the love of Grandma.  Whether the comforting words after getting the evil eye from Grandpa (after breaking their window) or the that little extra piece of candy she saved especially for you, one always knew she cared.  
Being one of the older grandchildren had it's unique privileges.  We had the times playing wiffle ball and watching her wipe out, coming over nearly every Sunday night to spend time at the house, or having her come out to see part of your baseball/softball game.  But being older also brought heartache, as you watched her experience the loneliness of losing her love, the difficulty of getting to church, and then the battle with Parkinson's.  However obstinate Grandma could be (and she could be) I'll not forgot most of all her prayers for me....Through college I could count on a letter once a week, from Grandma about those things she prayed for and then asking for new requests.  When I brought this beautiful young lady home from college, Grandma asked me "does she enjoy praying?"  It was something she could do for me.  I always knew she was praying for me.  Through Seminary, while studying for ministry, the letters became fewer as the Parkinson's riddled her body.  But it was a comfort to know that though the body may be feeble the prayers of the upright go unhindered.  I like to think that through these years of physical turmoil, more time was afforded to prayer.  Living hundreds of miles away, brought times of loneliness, but that made those short times together while visiting even more sweet.  While giving Grandma a hug after our last conversation, she hugged tight and whispered in my year.  "I'm praying, I'm always praying for you."  

Closing out, I was going to say "Monday, I lost my grandma..." but truthfully isn't that quite centered on myself.  I am blessed today to know that for believers "to be absent from the body is present with the Lord."  Grandma is home.  Not just any home, but that home that as the plaque in her home read "I go to prepare a place for you."  She is in a home prepared by her Savior.  She not just home, but she's with the loves of her earthly life...God and I'm sure she has already tracked down Grandpa (probably at a local fishing hole...Just kidding).  Not only is Grandma in her home prepared by her Savior with those she loves, but she is whole again.  Actually she is beyond whole again, she is better than she could ever have imagined here on this earth.  And now she looks forward to her friends and family who have by faith accepted Christ as their Savior.  Although I am unable to attend the funeral because of ministry obligations this week, I will continue to do what my Grandma taught me...Pray.  I look forward to the reunion not only with my Grandma, but the many other family members who I don't get to see on a regular basis.   So Grandma, "There are no goodbye's under the blood of Christ, simply 'See you Later'."

I couldn't help but think, after reading Jean's Obituary, about the wonderful legacy she is leaving behind.  She was blessed and truly will be missed.  

Linda Thiel [Winnie Rogers Payne grand-daughter]

There was a time when I thought of you as just a mom, but eventually I started to realize that you're not only a good parent, you're a really good person, too.  Seeing the way you treat others has taught me a lot about honesty, patience, and doing the right thing.  And you've shown me how important it is to have a sense of humor when life doesn't go my way, and a sense of gratitude when it does.  You put your best into being a mom and into living your life. That makes you someone that loved and admired very much.
Love you,  Linda Jean

OBITUARY

Jean Cummings Worley

6 March, 1935 – 29 July, 2013

Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery

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