Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Jeanie Briscoe
Apr 25th, 1924 - Sep 25th, 2016Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at First Christian Church
Visitation: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at First Christian Church
Alma Jean “Jeanie” Briscoe, age 92, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016, at the BeeHive Homes of Bosque Farms, New Mexico.
Jeanie was born in Caddo, Texas, on April 25, 1924, to Zina E. and Sarah Margaret Brammer. She was the youngest of three children.
Jeanie’s early days were spent in Texas. She often recalled her memories of walking barefoot in the hot soil, smelling the bluebells, and the local Methodist Church where she was baptized. In her high school years, the family moved to Flora, Illinois, following the oil boom. It was there she graduated from Flora Township High School and met the love of her life, James L. “Dode” Briscoe. On January 5, 1946, they were united in marriage in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. In the 1950’s, Jeanie and Dode became the proud owners of Briscoe Farm Store & Mill, which they owned and operated for over 35 years, and Jeanie acted as book-keeper. In 1955, Jeanie and Dode started their family, and in their traditional style of loving and giving, adoption was a great choice. The first child, Doug, was adopted followed by Debbie in 1961.
Jeanie participated in many community activities and events including Garden Club, Clay County Republican Women, Women’s Club, Cancer Society, Library Board, and Scout Leader. She was a 70 year member of the First Christian Church in Flora where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Leader. Jeanie also loved working in her yard and had a beautiful rose garden. When in her 80’s, Jeanie became interested in the history and founders of Flora. She spent many years researching and later wrote and published a book about Flora. Jeanie’s later years were spent at Heritage Woods of Flora, where she enjoyed visiting with staff, other residents, and participating in activities. The last few months of her life were spent in New Mexico to be closer to family for the extra needed care. Jeanie lived her life for God and country, family, and community.
She is survived by her children: Doug (wife Kathy) Briscoe of St. Peter, Missouri, and Debbie Greenwood of Los Lunas, New Mexico; three grandchildren: Eric (Amanda) Bright of Charleston, Illinois, and Benjamin Greenwood and Bethany (Adam) Dunstan both of Los Lunas, New Mexico; four great-grandchildren: Kyle, Quienton, Luke, and Katherine; brother-in-law: Charles "Wheezer" Briscoe; sister-in-law: Maxine Jones; special family: niece Shannon (Ray) Rutland, nephew Bobby (Diane) Briscoe, Trena Briscoe Martin; and many, many other nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her caregivers: Peggy, Betty, and Denna. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; parents; two sisters, Ernestine Brown and Billie Speake; and a nephew John Brown.
A memorial service for Jeanie Briscoe will be 3 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the First Christian Church, Flora, with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp and these will be accepted through the funeral home.