PEPPER, JEANNE CHERYL
Age 77 was born Dec 29th 1946 in Iowa and left us suddenly on April 29th. She was the first of five children born to the late Robert and Margaret Pepper.
Her family moved frequently in her formative years, bringing Jeanne to Salt Lake City Utah for high school graduation. She returned to the family hub of Wisconsin graduating from UWW and earning a Masters degree in Communications at the University of Wisconsin. She excelled as a speaker at her college commencement, and was subsequently recognized as an Outstanding Alumni in 1980. She began working at AC Spark Plug in 1977, bringing her to the company she would shape and retire from 30+ years later, and to the community which would become her hometown, Flint, Michigan. Admired and respected throughout her career in the divisions of General Motors, she was known as being kind, fair, ethical and intelligent.
Through work, she met her husband of 46 years, Thomas Herman, who tells everyone he meets that Jeanne is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to him.
She became a beloved parent to his five children: John, Michael, Kelly, Daniel and Mark and Grandma Jeanne to Leo. She seamlessly blended the Herman and Pepper families with grace, highlighting the strengths that each member contributed to the family. Her compassion led her to unofficially adopt many other children into the family, ultimately becoming Grandma Jeanne to their children.
She was a shining star of generosity within the Flint community, actively participating with many organizations: Flint Civil Service Commission, Flint Cultural Center, Sloan Museum, Whiting Auditorium, Salem Housing, Whaley Historical House, American Cancer Society, United Way, Art Club, Shakespeare Club, Women’s Club, and mentoring students at Washington elementary school. She was a woman of strength and organization who enjoyed the outdoors and planned wonderful adventures. As the consummate hostess, people remember the wonderful meals and parties she orchestrated.
Jeanne was generous with her time, love, and thoughtfulness. People view their interactions with her as having a positive influence in their lives and being the one who brought people together. She will be missed by many:
Her husband Thomas Herman;
Her siblings and their families, Rob & (Mikki) Pepper, children Silvia, Connie, Christina,
Don & (Annie) Pepper, children Jack, Robert, Patrick, Connor
Pamela & (Tim) Kelly, children Kaitlyn, Courtney, Kevin,
Marsha & (Mark) McGeehan; Her children and their families:
John & (Ruth) Herman, Michael Herman, Kelly Herman & (Aaron Morgan), Daniel, son Leo Herman, Mark & (Ann) Hoerrmann;
“Adopted” Family, Nicole Hudson, children Kierstdea, Tabitha, Nikaysha, Dalton Deanna Hildebrand-Sisk, children Justis, Slade.
A celebration of Jeanne Pepper’s life will take place at Sloan Museum 1221 E Kearsley St. Flint, MI 48503 on July 13th at 6:30pm.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sloan Museum of Discovery (1221 E. Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503) sloanlongway.org Flint Children's Museum (1602 W. University Ave, Flint, MI 48504) flintchildrensmuseum.org
Flint Institute of Music (FIM), (1025 E. Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503 thefim.org
Or other Flint Cultural Center Organizations
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