December 14, 1932 – September 20, 2018
Jeanne was born to Lula (aka Kelley) and Charles Kearns in Mobile, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Joan Kearns Hendry, daughter, Linda M. Samuel and son-in-law Tom Bernier. Jeanne is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Gordon, her children Valerie (Kevin) Scott of Raleigh, NC, Kelley (Fernando Contreras) Samuel of Washington, DC, Jennifer Bernier of Silver Spring, MD, Susan (Neil) McPherson of Sherborn, MA, Gordon (Christine) Samuel of Scottsdale, AZ, and son-in-law Jake Jakubos of Washington, DC; her grandchildren, Oliver Samuel-Jakubos, Kendall Samuel-Jakubos, Haley Samuel-Jakubos, Colin Scott, Glenn Scott, Jacqueline Bernier, Katie McPherson, Brendan McPherson, Kyle McPherson, Elle Samuel, Liv Samuel and Will Samuel, a brother Charles M. Kearns III of Baton Rouge, LA and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanne attended University of Alabama, Mobile campus and worked as a secretary for Brookley Airforce Base. She married Gordon in Mobile, AL on July 21, 1956 and shortly thereafter moved to Pennsylvania where they lived for over 30 years and raised their family.
Jeanne was an active member of Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church, Clarks Summit, PA; the Abington Heights School PTA and Booster Clubs, and Clarks Summit Bridge Club. She was a member of the Penn State Nittany Lion Club and attended Penn State Football games on a regular basis since the late-1960’s.
Upon retirement they moved to Pensacola, FL where Jeanne became very active in St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Catholic Church, Orange Beach, AL. She was a member of the ACCW, Altar Rosary Society and received the prestigious service award, “Honorary Christ the King Award” for her dedicated service. She was co-founder of the religious article gift shop for the Altar Rosary Society of St. Thomas-by-the-Sea where the shop continues to thrive.
Jeanne loved to garden, fish, swim, was an avid reader and enjoyed learning new things. She had a competitive spirit and was a passionate and loyal sports fan, particularly for Penn State University Football and the New York Yankees. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family and friends.
Visitation will be at the Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL Thursday, October 4th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Funeral services will be at St. Thomas by-the-Sea, Orange Beach, AL on Friday October, 5th at 11:00am and Graveside Service to follow at 1:00pm at Barrancas National Cemetery. Many thanks to Muriel Finger Sitters especially Sara, Muriel, Maxine, Brea and Hawai for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence http://www.littlesistersofthepoormobile.org/donations.
