Jean Juanita Blakemore

Jean Juanita Blakemore, 90, of Palmer passed away March 11, 2015, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

Born July 10, 1924 in Russelville, Oklahoma, she was the eighth of 10 children born to Robert Mills and Cordelia (Campbell) Mills, who were married in September 1904 in Indian Territory, Oklahoma.

Jean grew up in the Great Depression, experiencing hardship and deprivation. Her stories she shared of her childhood, married life and having children, was a richly woven tapestry about family, patience, forgiveness, doing the best you can with what you have, the power of prayer, and counting your blessings. She shared her love of genealogy and family history with her children.

Jean (Sister Blakemore) was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many Ward Callings in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society, as well as her work in the Temple. In 1989, Sister Blakemore was called to serve as a LDS Missionary in the Arizona Phoenix Mission and spoke of this experience as a blessing and of personal growth.

Jean was preceded in death by three of her children, Robert Allen, Karen Sue (Stacy), Phillip Darwin; and her granddaughter, Theresa.

Jean is survived by her children, Sharon Kay, Dennis Paul, Dowie Lynn, William Theodore, Rebecca Dion, Eric Leon; and her grandchildren, Lori, Lisa, Brandon, Alessandria, Shane, Mark, Daysa, Zane, Jesse, Tyson, Tanner, Hope, Logan, Jill, Sara, Aleah; and many great- and great- great grandchildren.

She will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

A private service for family members is planned at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.