Jean was born May 5, 1932, in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of Arthur and Eva (Farmer) Birdsell. She married Ralph L. Tolliver on July 14, 1951, in Rochester, IL. He preceded her in death, in 2020.
Jean was a proud graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1950. In her earlier years, she worked at various bookbinding companies before dedicating herself to caring for her family with love and devotion. A woman of strong faith, Jean served as a devoted Sunday school teacher, sharing her kindness and spiritual wisdom with those around her.
Jean found great joy in music, especially the uplifting songs of Bill Gaither and classic country and western tunes. She was a talented crafter who enjoyed painting plaster figures, solving crossword puzzles, and reading Amish fiction. Her hand-stitched calendars were a cherished yearly tradition. Jean had a special love for the holidays, delighting in decorating for every season, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart. Her homemade peanut brittle was a holiday favorite, lovingly made and shared with those she held dear.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Eva; husband, Ralph; daughters, Lois Jackson and Shirley Spitzner; and sister, Juanita I. Tipps.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Dan) Martin of Springfield; grandchildren, Carson (Jennifer) Lomax and Nathan (Patty) Spitzner; one great-grandson, Tyler Lomax; and two nieces and two nephews.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Berlin Christian Church, 2580 S. Wake Rd., New Berlin, IL 62670, until the time of the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Warren Brosi officiating.
Burial will follow at Waverly East Cemetery, 195 E. Elm St. Waverly, IL 62692.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, IL 62670.
Memorial contributions may be made to Berlin Christian Church.
