Jeannette Spears Lee

Jeannette Spears Lee passed away January 28, 2017. Jeannette was born in Kansas City to Frank and Florence Spears. Even as a young girl she was a leader. She directed her school plays at Frances Willard Elementary. At Paseo High School she worked on the school newspaper and yearbooks, and was a member of the Zetas. In college, she student taught art at Center High School. She graduated from the University of Kansas City with degrees in art and education.

In 1939, Jeannette joined Hallmark Cards as an Artist and soon became the Assistant to the Design Director. Her career with Hallmark spanned six decades. Over that time, she became a Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. She managed the Art Department and Corporate Design Department at Hallmark. She loved inspiring and developing the extraordinary creative talent the company attracted.

In 1940, Jeannette married her high school sweetheart, Arch Lee. They worked hard, traveled extensively, and started a family. She was as committed to her family as her career. She never missed her children's and grandchildren's events. . .throughout their entire lives and hers she continued to support and share her children's interests. She hosted every family holiday and took care of her aging family members. Her dedication to her family was unsurpassed. Jeannette had a significant impact on the greater Kansas City community as well, especially organizations that supported women and advanced the arts. She served as the first female chair on the board of the Kansas City Art Institute; the chair of the UMKC Women's Center Chancellor's Advisory Board; and on the boards of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, Art Directors' Club, Avila College, Care, Inc., City of Fountains Foundation, Leawood Arts Council, and Society of Fellows at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Jeannette served as an Elder of the Village Presbyterian Church and as a worker in the church's food pantry. Jeannette was an accomplished executive and community supporter.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her impact on her family, friends, co-workers, and Kansas City was extraordinary. She inspired commitment to excellence in everyone she met. Her parents, brother and sisters preceded her in death. Jeannette's husband of 46 years also preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Don Lee and Jeannette Lee, three grandchildren, Christina, Marilyn, and Ryan, and four great- grandchildren as well as two nieces and one nephew. Jeannette is also survived by extended family member Ella Mae Walker (our Mae Mae.) She was preceded in death by our other extended family member Doretha Johnson (Doe).

The family would like to thank Angie, Lydia, and Maggie for their very loyal and thoughtful care. They have become part of our family as well. Throughout her long life, Jeannette made many friends. She cherished those friendships. She would wish all of them to strive for happy, healthy and rewarding lives. She could see the best in everyone and helped bring out the very best in all of us.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo. Private burial. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeannette's name to The Kansas City Art Institute, 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.