Jeannine cherished few in this world; her family, music, ice cream and her Lord and Savior. It was very apparent her faith was first and foremost.
She was a member of the musicians union since 1988. Her talent at the piano was unsurpassed and not duplicated. She had the uncanny ability to learn a song in the parking lot, and then play it flawlessly. She knew every hymn in the Broadman Hymnal and could change keys to suit the voice she accompanied. Jeannine was called (at a moments notice) to accompany Marilyn Maye, Tony Dipardo Orchestra and the Jack Covin Band. She played 17 years at Funhouse Pizza with the Ray Stinson Trio. People need only step in the door and she would play your favorite song.
Jeannine was born January 8, 1930 in rural Butler, Missouri to Lena Mae (Herrmann) and Cecil Carl Malan. She enjoyed being the "only child" for 12 years until her brother joined the musical family.
She met and married Charles James Smith January 7, 1950. From this union, two daughters were born. Did you catch she was married the day before her birthday? She wanted to be married before she turned 21!
Later she married Bobbie Merritt Stephenson December 21, 1973 and resided in Raytown Missouri. They enjoyed estate sales and became antique collectors. They loved to watch Royals baseball, KU basketball, and tried never to miss a Kentucky Derby. He preceded her in death in September 2006. She passed away on Bobbie's birthday and we know she planned it to be that way so she could wish him a happy birthday.
Jeannine leaves behind a brother Donald H. Malan (Diana), daughter Carol Shutt, daughter Cris Johnson (Tom), 8 grandchildren: Jodie West (Justin), Kevin Simpson (Heidi), Jeff Simpson (Sarah), CJ Shutt (Merissa), Darren Shutt (Brianna), Jackie Shutt, Stacey Cheek, Holly Whorton (Bob) and 8 great-grandchildren: Renner, Charlie, Brody, Theo, Danger, Caradyn, Lydia, Mia and Kalyn.
A Visitation for Jeannine will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery.
