Jeannene Nettle

Jeannene Nettle, affectionately known to many as “Pooh Bear,” passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by love. She was born on May 4, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Arthur and Jeannette (Fontaine) Phillips.

Jeannene grew up with a strong sense of curiosity and compassion, graduating from high school in Pensacola, Florida. On January 20, 1966, she married the love of her life, Charles Nettle, a dedicated U.S. Air Force pilot. Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, laughter, and service. When Charles retired as a USAF Major in 1980, Jeannene continued to embody the spirit of the Air Force community, always reaching out to help newly assigned personnel settle into their new homes and supporting countless families along the way.

A self-taught and gifted homemaker, Jeannene was known for her delicious homemade recipes, her welcoming front porch swing conversations, and her ability to make everyone feel like family. She served as President of multiple social clubs, President of the Officers’ Wives Club, and volunteered tirelessly for organizations supporting those in need. She also proudly designed and built her dream home, a reflection of her creativity and determination.

Jeannene loved traveling—especially through Europe, Spain, and Greece—and found joy in cruising the seas with Charles by her side. Her perfect day included shopping or playing mahjong with her best friends, dining out, and spending the evening laughing with her husband. She loved country music, Elvis Presley, and the colors pink and purple. Her laughter was infectious, especially while watching America’s Funniest Videos, chatting with the cardinals outside, or doting on her beloved Yorkie, Tallie.

She hoped to teach others the importance of grace in every circumstance—a lesson she lived by daily. To her family, she will always be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, a confidant, and a dear friend.

Jeannene is survived by her devoted husband, Charles; daughters Michelle (Eric) McMillan and Laura (Richard) Michelli; brothers Michael Phillips and Arthur Phillips; five cherished grandchildren; and six adored great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a circle of compassionate caregivers—Tina Payne, Tina Thompson, Mikayla Lunsford, Veronicah Kioko, Judi Kimani, Linda Hallie, Monica Mwarura, and Trisha Bishop—who became extended family.

In honor of her generous spirit, memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or Race Against Dementia.

Above all, Jeannene “Pooh Bear” Nettle will be remembered for her kindness, her gracious heart, and her unwavering love for those she held dear.