Jeanie was born May 6, 1960, to Charles and Karen Kennedy. The family lived in Detroit, Michigan, and Rich Hill, Missouri, before moving to Adrian in 1972. Throughout her school years in Adrian, Jeanie was blessed to have the love and support of several local families. She spent a lot of time in the Johnson, Brewster, Gunn, and Greenwell homes. She spoke fondly of these families often and shared stories of their positive impact throughout the rest of her life. Jeanie graduated from Adrian High School in 1978. Jeanie was united in marriage to Jerry Stephens on March 29, 1980; and to this union two children were born: Hannah Kathleen & Gerold Layn. Throughout the years, Jerry and Jeanie opened their home to many children, and they welcomed their chosen daughter in 2005, Tiffany.
Jeanie was a longtime member of Adrian Christian Church (ACC) and was a faithful and vocal follower of Jesus. She was the first mayor of ACC's "Bibletown" children's ministry, contributed to youth group activities, and held many Bible studies in her home over the years. She was a huge supporter of both the Adrian and Midway School Districts. Jeanie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for several years. She believed strongly in living a life of service and instilled this idea in those around her. Jeanie was known for her generosity, empathetic spirit, and positive impact on her community.
Jeanie worked at Briarwood State School, Trails West State School, and the CASCO Area Workshop before founding Willow Creek Group Homes in August 1996. Jerry and Jeanie were group home providers for "the ladies" for more than 25 years until her retirement in April 2022. Her impact on the lives of her ladies and the community through her career with Willow Creek is indescribable. Jeanie offered her group-home employees the flexibility to both work and parent, allowing them to bring their children or grandchildren to Willow Creek activities to be an extra-special part of the ladies' lives.
Jeanie lived life to the fullest. Her favorite title was "Grams," and she could be found often at her grandchildren's many activities. She enjoyed shopping with friends, volunteering, and scrapbooking. Even after she found herself struggling with mobility issues, you couldn't slow Jeanie down; you could always find her and her red scooter at sporting events, church functions, and anywhere else she could be a light and support to others. Jeanie threw the best parties and often let friends and family borrow items from her elaborate "party supply closet." Jeanie was truly one of a kind.
Jeanie is preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, Bill Stephens. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Stephens, of the home; her daughter, Hannah (Matthew) Newkirk, of Adrian, MO; her son, Gerold (Ashley) Stephens, of Adrian, MO; her daughter, Tiffany (Jason) Hendricks, of Adrian, MO; her grandchildren: Harlee, Claire, and Mattie Newkirk; Greyson and Meredith Stephens; and Mackenzie and Haley Essenpries; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Stephens; brother-in-law, Rick Stephens; honorary granddaughter, Leonor Nogales Martinez; four siblings; and too many additional family members and close friends to count.
