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Jean Luoma Obituary
Jean Jacks Luoma, 82, of St. Augustine, Fla., died on Aug. 27, 2010, at the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Hadlow Center. Jean was born in Birmingham, Ala., to Ernest Gray Jacks and Eddie Pearl Ford.
She grew up in Birmingham but also attended St. Augustine"s Orange Street School. She graduated from Birmingham"s Howard College (now Samford University) and also studied library science through Florida State University.
Jean moved to St. Augustine in 1971 after living 16 years in Scarsdale, N.Y. From 1971 to 1981, Jean and her late husband, Herbert Luoma Sr., owned and operated the Savette Store at 135 St. George St. She later worked as a librarian at Hastings and Nease high schools.
Jean was one of the founders as well as past president of Friends of the Library of St. Johns County. She worked tirelessly with others to spearhead the drive to build a new, modern library in St. Johns County as well as pass a referendum for the development of the countywide library system.
She was very active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in both St. Augustine and Westchester County, N.Y., where she was president. Jean was an active member of the St. Augustine Sister Cities Association, Great Books and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a Charter member, sponsor and board member of the Emil Maestre Music Association (EMMA). Jean was a member of St. Augustine"s Grace United Methodist Church as well as the Scarsdale Community Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by Herbert Luoma Sr., her husband of 28 years.
Jean is survived by her son, Herbert Luoma Jr.; her daughter, Lindy Luoma of San Francisco; a granddaughter, Jasmine Luoma; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Luoma; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of her life will be held for her family and many friends.
In honor of Jean Luoma, The Friends of the Library are developing a Children"s Reading Garden at the main library. Those wishing to make a contribution in her memory may do so to Children"s Reading Garden/Friends of the Library of St. Johns County Inc., P.O. Box 3122, St. Augustine, FL 32085; phone: 904-827-6940; email: [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Luoma
Linda Riskus
August 24, 2023
The SJC library system would not be what it is today without the tireless loving efforts of Jean many moons ago. Sending positive thoughts out to the Luoma family today.
Eva Doolittle
September 7, 2010
To Lindy, Herbie, Kathy and Jasmine,
How do I remember Jean? She was kind, gentle and gracious. She had a friendly smile for all. She supported many worthy causes in the community. She was a great friend and supporter of the EMMA Concert Association. She subscribed to and attended all EMMA performances. She always looked her best. She never complained. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Jean. I miss her. So does EMMA. I am also sure that nobody misses her like you who were the apple of her eye. My deepest symaty.
Linda Riskus
September 6, 2010
Herbie, Lindy, Kathy and Jasmine,
My heart goes out to all of you at the loss of your mother/grandmother. I had the great honor of meeting Jean many years ago while at The Savette and she was the first person who really put the fire under my feet to get involved in the local community. I owe her so much gratitude for mentoring me! She was tireless in her commitment to create a decent library in our community (she succeeded!), and with her continuous involvement with AAUW, and her never-ending energy in making our lives here a better place. She was, indeed, "one-in-a-million", and I will always remember her message of community service and, yes, her wonderful sense of humor. A great loss for all of us. God Bless you and your family.
Lola Hartford
September 1, 2010
A beautiful woman, inside and out. Always gracious and kind. These are my memories of Jean. Delta Kappa Gamma has lost a wonderful sister. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
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David Nolan
August 30, 2010
Jean was a delight, and a friend to two generations of Nolans. I remember meeting her on hurricane evacuations in Americus, Georgia at the historic Windsor Hotel. It was like having a touch of home present in a distant place. She will be well-remembered for the great positive contribution she made to our Ancient City.
former County Commissioner Jim Bryant and Frances (Erwin) Neelands
August 30, 2010
What a loss to our community; everything she touched in our County, improved by her involvements.A lovely, charming and helpful personality. She will be truly missed by all who knew her and worked with her.
Wendy Stratton
August 30, 2010
Herbie and Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Jean. She was a wonderful woman! I remember her from the Savette days to begin with,and then I have seen her through the years at the Library. She was always so cheerful and nice to everyone.
You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Sincerely,
Wendy Stratton
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