Mary Jean ‘Jeanie’ Byer, of Upland, CA, passed away January 17, 2023 at age 92 after a brief illness. She was born in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, on August 16, 1930 in a large farmhouse in tree-etched Lebanon County where over 100 years of family had lived. Mary Jean was the fifth of six children born to Raymond and Sara (Wengert) Miller, a devoutly religious Pennsylvania Dutch family. In addition to farmers, her ancestors were also musicians, organ builders, businessmen, teachers, and clergymen.
Her first eight grades were spent at Franklin School, a one-room schoolhouse with no in-door plumbing where one teacher taught all eight grades. Jeanie learned the value of hard work on her father’s 100-acre farm where she helped to harvest hay, prepare chickens for weekly markets, and milk cows each morning before school. After completing high school, she attended Messiah Jr. College where she met her future husband, Curtis. She graduated from Elizabethtown College with a degree in elementary education.
Jean taught school in Pennsylvania, as well as the Ontario and Upland School Districts in California first as a full-time teacher, then as a substitute teacher for over 20 years. She made the choice to stay home with her four children during their formative years, returning to teaching when they were older. After retirement Jean invested her teaching skills, time and talent in her grandchildren who eagerly looked forward to “Grandma” days.
Jean had an unusual contralto voice. During college she studied music and private voice. She was a soloist for the Grantham Oratorio Society and took an active part in the music ministry of her church - as a soloist, leader of children’s choirs, member of chancel choirs, and numerous small groups. Devoted to hymnology, she actively supported choral singing and was a member of the committee that produced the latest denominational hymnal of the Brethren in Christ Church.
Concerned for the homeless, Jean served for a dozen years on the board of Pacific Lifeline Shelter for homeless women. An avid supporter of Mennonite Central Committee for world hunger relief, she also served as quilt chairwoman for their annual Southern California Festival and Sale.
Dedicated to her family, Jean relished time with her four children, being a consistent presence in their lives. She was known for her inherent people skills as a patient listener, encourager, and faithful friend. Jean found joy in nature, growing and arranging flowers, and entertaining others with her home cooked meals. Actively thinking of ways to bless others, she was a testament to the cumulative power of small acts of love. These gifts, and more, endeared her to not only her family, but fellow teachers and acquaintances.
Married to husband Curtis Byer, of Upland, in 1953, they were five months shy of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary when she passed away. In their marriage they were friends to each other and found safety in their mutual love. Jean carried an incurable devotion to her Christian faith and an unwavering dedication to her daily walk with Jesus Christ. Her personal lighthouse was the Psalms of David and his hymns of praise and worship
Jean is survived by her husband, Curtis, four children and their spouses: Kaye (Frank) Mondok, Kent (Kelly) Byer, Jan (Terry) Catlin, and Jolene (Vince) Hruska. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, six great grandchildren, a brother Lee (Rebecca) of Palmyra, PA, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11 at 1:00 pm at the Upland Brethren in Christ Church, 845 W. Arrow Hwy., Upland, CA., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Any gifting may be made to Pacific Lifeline Women’s Shelter P. O. Box 1424, Upland, CA 91785 designated “In Memory of Jean Byer” or at www.pacific-lifeline.org
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