Jeana was born on November 5, 1948, in Lufkin to Alcide and Louetta Thiboutot. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Jeana began her career with Axley & Rode before opening her own successful CPA firm. For the final two decades of her career, she served as Controller for Beard Fine Jewelers, retiring in 2021 at the age of 73—a testament to her passion for hard work and dedication.
In 1974, Jeana married the love of her life, Jerry Wayne Kimbrough. Their joy grew with the birth of their daughter, Tiffany, in 1979. Tragically, Jerry passed later that year in a car accident, a loss Jeana carried with grace and resilience. She later married John R. Heath, with whom she shared several years before divorcing.
Jeana was a proud supporter of women’s rights, a lifelong Democrat, and a fierce advocate for those less fortunate. She was a steady presence in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues, quietly supporting them and solving problems without need for acknowledgment. She believed deeply in education, self-improvement, and showing up for people when it mattered most. She had a spirited love of travel and explored countless destinations across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Great Britain, Europe, and Mexico.
She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Neuschafer, and son-in-law, Michael; her beloved grandchildren, Madison, Landon, and Leighton Neuschafer; her nieces Candice Ross and Shonda Parrott; her nephew Morris Huggins; their spouses, children, and grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply; and her best friend of 60 years, Jan Taylor of Lufkin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry Kimbrough, and her sister, Collette Huggins Murray.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Gipson Funeral Home, 1515 South Chestnut, Lufkin, TX 75901. A Celebration of Jeana's Life will follow from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeana’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
Jeana’s fierce spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will live on in all who knew and loved her.
