Jean Smith Beckett

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Jean Beckett. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Jean was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Jean was born on January 19, 1936 at 23 Park Row in Normanton, Yorkshire. She was the daughter of Geoffrey and Ada Smith and they raised Jean in England. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Jean was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jean's personality throughout her life.

Though Jean was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jean was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jean worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jean was raised with one sibling, her sister, Brenda. Jean and her sister had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Jean was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Jean was always tactful. One thing Jean will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Jean had a number of interests and was an active child. Jean took part in field hockey and in her spare time she liked to garden and loved to dance. Jean's memorable achievements included learning to take shorthand at 100 words per minute.

For Jean, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jean was also adept at details. Jean was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Dinnington Technical College in 1952. While in school Jean loved science and always ranked in the top 10% of her class.

There was one thing that all of Jean's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jean was such a popular person throughout her life. But Jean was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jean was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Jean was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jean was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jean was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jean made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Margaret Cass, Joan Bennett, and Cynthia Greaves. Later in life, she remained close friends with Margaret Cass and Joan Bennett.

Jean was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Jean cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On March 24, 1956 Jean married Kenneth Beckett at the Parish Church of Whiston. Compassionate and devoted, Jean worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Jean, and she expected the same from those around her. Jean was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Jean was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jean handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a stenographer. She was employed for 12 years by the United States Federal Government. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Jean enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were dancing and she was also a wonderful cook.

Jean was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Jean was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Jean played field hockey and swam. Recreational sports included tennis, swimming, and skating. Jean also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were tennis.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Jean well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Whiston Parish Church for 21 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Jean enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included going anywhere there was a beach!

Jean was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Mongrel, a dog, who was a best friend for six years. Her family was rounded out by her cat.

Since it was easy for Jean to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Jean was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1994. Her new life involved relocating from Alexandria, Virginia to Las Vegas, Nevada where she and her husband resided for 15 1/2 years prior to her death. In retirement, she found new pleasure in bowling and swimming. Even in retirement, Jean stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Jean passed away on November 16, 2010 at 3696 South Pecos Road in Las Vegas, Nevada. She fought a valiant struggle against COPD. She is survived by her loving husband, Ken. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel. After the service, Jean's husband, Ken will maintain her remains until his death, when they will then be interred together, eternally.

Jean was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Jean was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Jean Beckett.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.