Jean Lambert DeCamp

Jean Lambert DeCamp, age 97, passed into eternal life with her Heavenly Father on August 16, 2026, at Renaissance of North Tampa. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, Jean touched countless lives with her kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jean was born on November 24, 1928, in Nashville- Davidson, Tennessee, to Thomas and Maude Lambert. She was one of seven children and grew up surrounded by a close-knit family. Jean graduated from Howard High School in a class of just 32 students, where she was honored as "Best Looking." Following high school, she completed two years of secretarial training at Peabody Teachers College and worked for General Shoe Corporation in Nashville.

Jean met her future husband, Air Force Officer Ronald W. DeCamp, at a dance at the YMCA. Their courtship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married on March 15, 1958. Ronald's military service brought them to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where they established their home and raised their two children. Jean devoted herself to creating a loving home for her family, embracing her most cherished roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. Through her faith, warmth, and steady support, she provided a foundation that strengthened generations.

Jean and Ron were devoted members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dayton, where they actively participated in church life. Jean especially enjoyed attending “Fellowship groups” with her church family of friends and serving her church community. Family was always at the center of her life, and many cherished vacations were spent visiting loved ones in Nashville, Tennessee, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Later in life, Jean and Ron moved to Tampa, Florida, to be closer to family. Jean was known for her sweet and caring nature, always offering a kind word, a warm smile, and a listening ear. She possessed a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that could bring laughter to those around her. An avid reader, Jean was well-read and intellectually curious, enjoying books, reading the newspaper daily, and thoughtful conversation throughout her life. Whether sharing a clever observation, words of encouragement, or a favorite story, she had a special way of making others feel valued and loved.

Her deep faith and love for family served as guiding lights throughout her life. She often said that she hoped to be remembered simply as a good person, and those who knew her would agree that she lived that wish every day. Her warmth, wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jean was the last surviving member of her generation. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, Ronald W. DeCamp; her parents, Thomas and Maude Lambert; and her siblings, Polly (Woodrow) Clifton, Wayne (Margaret) Lambert, Dimple (George) Shreeve, Carl Lambert, Barbara (Gene) Rottero, and Bobby Lambert.

She is survived by her loving children, Yvonne (Lee) Smith and Ronald M. (Tina) DeCamp; her cherished grandchildren, Paige Cowley, Drew (Alison) Cowley, Anna Maria DeCamp, and Anthony DeCamp; her treasured great-grandson, Liam Cowley son of Drew and Alison Cowley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

She will be laid to rest at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tampa, Fl.

Jean's family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, reunited with her devoted husband Ron and the many family members who went before her. Her legacy of faith, kindness, wisdom, humor, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23