Jeanette M English

Jeanette Marguerite (DeClercq) English, age 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior February 26, 2022. Jan was surrounded by her family and was welcomed home by the love of her life, John Lyle English, who preceded her in death October 1, 2021.

Born April 6, 1933 to Belgian immigrants Marguerite and Julius DeClercq, Jan grew up in Detroit watching her parents work hard to adapt to American culture. With much value placed on education, she walked several blocks to the library every Saturday and checked out the maximum number of books. Jan’s thirst for knowledge and love of reading helped her skip grade levels and graduate early.

While many women of her era married young or attended college for teaching or nursing degrees, Jan chose a different path. Her love of words led her to study journalism at MSU where she met John Lyle. They married right before John entered seminary in 1956.

Jan was a dedicated servant, and although only a few people knew, this gift led to local and national recognition and awards. She walked her talk while arranging community food drives, advocating for better public school education, serving on neighborhood organizations, lobbying for healthcare for the underrepresented, helping women in domestic violence situations, and giving a home to foster kids into her late 70s. Her feisty personality helped so many people while her quiet dignity drew little attention.

Jan loved flowers and turned her backyard into an oasis of color while the rooms inside her home were filled floor to ceiling with bookshelves. She loved to travel, especially to Beaver Island and their cottage on Rainbow Lake. John and Jan played endless Scrabble games, and from year one, they kept a running score (she won).

Jan is survived by her children Timothy (Lisa) English, Elizabeth (Ion Kleiman) English, Steve (Melania) English, and Rebecca (Jim Schulz) English; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to service. In honor of Jan and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cherry Street Health via the online giving portal. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.

Well done, quiet servant. Enjoy your reunion with John Lyle, your soulmate of more than 65 years. May there be endless flowers, overflowing bookshelves, and yes, a Scrabble board.