Jean (Hawhee) Bryer

It is with sad hearts that we announce the death of Jean Bryer. She died on January 16, 2019 after a long illness. Jean was born on July 20, 1939 in Muddy, Illinois to James and Jessie (Moore) Hawhee. She was the first of seven children born into a loving family with many loving aunts and uncles. As a toddler her family moved to Tell City, Indiana and later to Oregon, Illinois.

Jean loved singing and stories, especially the Christian story which she gave many hours of her life to reflecting on both at church and on her own. Jean especially loved the biblical theme of transformation and often signed her name with a butterfly to mark that hope. Jean loved her family deeply and had several lifelong friends. Among her most treasured people were her five kids, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was thoughtful and generous with her time, money, and love. Jean had a tender and compassionate heart, and in her healthy years, she invested deeply in her loved ones. Jean was passionate about her work.  She was a stay at home mom for many years. She sold Tupperware and she excelled at it; earning a trip and a car. Later she began working at St. Anthony’s hospital as a CNA moving into the payroll department and personnel departments. She worked in the Winnebago County personnel office where she was loved and respected for her skills and abilities to help people navigate benefits. Eventually she retired as Director of Human Resources at Stevenson Nursing Home in Freeport, IL.

She is survived by her four children, Greg Bryer of Rockford, Cheryl (Joe) Anderson of Rockford, Kristi (Ray) Amenda of South Beloit and Angela (Joe) Welty of Winnipeg, MB, Canada; nine grandchildren, Bob (Karmen), Kaitlyn, Megan, Zac, Nick, Emily, Elim, Jane and Seth; two great-grandchildren, Paige and Hunter; her mother, Jesse Hawhee; siblings, Ed (Mary) Hawhee, Cliff (Lynn) Hawhee, Connie Hollar, Lisa (Brad) McClain, Kerry (Angie) Hawhee; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jeffrey; brother, Jimmy; father, James; sister-in-law, Penny; and mother-in-law, Frances.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, Illinois 61111 with Pastor Joe Welty officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until time of service.

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