One of God’s Angels has gone to Heaven. Jean Kay Thouvenot (February 14, 1942-September 18, 2024) passed away peacefully from this life at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her loving family and caregiver.
Born in Belleville, Illinois to Andrew and Hilda Jackson, she grew up with a large family of all J’s, Janice, Joyce, Jean and Jay. Family was always a big part of Jean’s life, and it’s why she and her soulmate Ronald Gene Thouvenot (May 2, 1941-June 30, 2011) settled in 1971 on the farm founded by Ron’s great grandparents Charles and Mary Thouvenot in 1892. They would go on to add numerous amenities to the ‘old farmhouse’ over the years. Their proudest addition was a renovation of the large kitchen that they both enjoyed using and where they shared an abundance of meals and conversations with family and friends.
Jean was a master of just about everything she set out to do. As a proud graduate of Washington University, Jean earned the distinction of being a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious honor society recognizing academic excellence. Jean could have used her education degree to shape the minds of hundreds of students, but instead chose her vocation of wife and mother to 3 boys, Jeffrey Charles Thouvenot, Sean Michael Thouvenot, and Brian Douglas Thouvenot. This was not for the faint of heart, 3 boys on a farm with no other children around, could test even the most hardened nerves. But, Jean was up to the challenge, forming who would become 3 accomplished men, husbands, and fathers, through her great ability to teach, nurture talents, and occasionally ‘course correct’ behavior. Jean later shared her knowledge with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Jean’s talents were many including; sewing, gardening, stained glass, leatherwork, painting, ceramics, swimming, water skiing, canning, cooking, and baking (especially the most beautiful wedding cakes). Jean was also very dedicated to genealogy and spent countless hours researching family history.
In addition to running the household, Jean served as a leader in the community. She was a strong believer in the Scouting program and led Cub Scout Pack 36 and Boy Scout Troop 35 throughout various times in her sons’ and grandson’s lives. Jean also served her passion of education through board service at Central School District #104 and on an advisory committee to transform the school structure in St. Clair County.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Ronald G. Thouvenot, whom she worked as his chairside dental assistant from the early 90’s until he retired in 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Hilda Jackson, son Jeffrey C. Thouvenot, and sister Joyce Tiemann. Jean is survived by her sons Sean M. (Siobhan K.) Thouvenot, Brian D. (Carrie A.) Thouvenot, daughter-in-law Michelle D. Thouvenot, five grandchildren, Cassy L. (Jason) Thouvenot-Taylor, Joseph M. (Pamela J) Thouvenot, Zachary C. Thouvenot , Tanner R. Thouvenot, and Milana L. Thouvenot; three great grandchildren, Beau M. Thouvenot, Raylan R. Thouvenot, and Sophie Opal Thouvenot; sister Janice Schneider and brother Jay (Jean) Jackson.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life Service and Gathering in the O’Fallon area at a time to be determined. To be informed when a date has been set, please email her sons Sean Thouvenot at[email protected]or Brian Thouvenot at[email protected].
