Jeanette F. Michael

Jeanette Faye Farmer Michael, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, while at Baptist South Hospital, following recent health challenges. She was 82 years old. She had endured health issues for several years prior to her passing. At three years of age, Jeanette “Jeannie” was diagnosed with the first case of polio in Waycross. She was rushed by relay of State Highway Patrol officers to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, where she spent many months in the hospital, including time in an iron lung. Her father, “Tom” Merle Farmer made weekly trips to visit her though he could see her only through a glass window, while her pregnant mother, Mae, took care of her siblings and the household. She survived that ordeal with a strong sense of determination and a ferocious love of life! She graduated from Ribault High School, Jacksonville, FL, in 1961 where she was a member of a band named “The Chuckles”. They performed at many high school proms during her junior and senior years. After high school, Jeanette worked in the medical field until her retirement. She was an integral member of her class reunion committee and always looked forward to getting together with former classmates. She especially enjoyed planning the theme and decorating for each event. She loved the holidays and decorated every room in her home beautifully. Jeanette and her husband, Lew, had an annual Christmas Party that was a gala event that many friends and family looked forward to attending each year.

Jeanette is predeceased by her father, Thomas Merle Farmer, her mother and stepfather, Mae and Johnnie Purvis, and brother (deceased) Thomas “Buddy” Farmer (Judy) Waycross, GA; Jeanette is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Lewis B. Michael; one daughter, Camden L. Beckmann, and her precious granddaughter Emerson; Sisters Ann Hill (Kenneth) Gainesville, FL; Susie Taylor, (Happy) Glen. St. Mary, FL; Judy Farmer Waycross; Step children Sandy, Beverly, Lewis and David. She has many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members including step grandchildren and one step great grandchild.

Services will be held at Oaklawn Chapel & Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207. A visitation will be held Monday, March 17th from 6-8pm. The funeral and graveside services will be at 2pm on Tuesday, March 18th, with a reception to follow.