Miss Jean was born on May 20, 1941 on a little farm near Raytown, MO. It was about six months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, and ultimately the family moved into town. In 1965, she married Duane, and they are the parents of three children. Her daughter’s family has lived on the mission field in Ireland for 20 years, and her sons are both retired from the Air Force.
Duane’s job brought the Sheridans to Huntsville in the early ‘70s, and Jean, who loves kids, became a nanny for 20 years after her kids left the nest. She came to Athens Health and Rehab in August, and is now a permanent resident. “I couldn’t have picked a better place,” she said. Thankfully, her health does permit her to get out and spend time with her husband and family, and she has no end of appreciation for all who have helped her make the transition to permanent residency easier.
She likes Bingo, and when she first came here, she won three games in a row. Winners of the many games and contests planned by the Activities Department earn points to spend on items in the General Store. So far Miss Jean has “shopped” for a blow dryer, as well as a set of earrings and a necklace, and she asked me for help putting in her earrings for the picture you see above.
She has made a fall colored bracelet as well as a decorative owl out of felt, and she especially loves Misty, Keisha, and Michelle from Activities. “I am very satisfied,” she said, simply.
We talked about her favorites, and she didn’t have to think long for any of them.
Favorite Color? Pink, but she also really likes lavender. “Duane likes blue,” she said, happily.
Favorite Food? Pepperoni pizza. She gets to go out to get her hair done every other week, and that’s when she indulges.
Favorite Song? As a lifelong Baptist, she has two favorite classic hymns. “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less,” (sometimes known as The Solid Rock), and “Count Your Blessings.” She also let me know that when she passes, she wants the congregation to sing “In The Garden” at her funeral. She asked, “That’s a good one, don’t you think?” I agreed, and we took a minute to sing all three.
Favorite Scripture? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
Favorite books? The “Little House” series, and she loved the TV adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s tales.
Favorite TV shows? Again, Little House on the Prairie, the Waltons, and Bonanza.
Favorite actor? Michael Landon.
Favorite President? Ronald Reagan.
Biggest change in her lifetime? “Technology,” she said. “It can be used for great good or great evil. I worry about it sometimes,” she said.
What is the best advice she could give to young people? “Don’t get so drawn into computers that you forget to go outside and ride your bike,” she said. Then she added, “Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing on the computer.” Sage advice from an experienced mom and a nanny.
Thank you, Miss Jean!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
