E. Jean Kittrell

E. Kittrell Obituary

Kittrell, E. Jean Jeannie (nee McCarty) died peacefully on August 14, 2018 at the age of 91. Hospice was of great benefit to her and her loved ones. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and studied music theory at Blue Mountain College. She married Ed Kittrell and became the proud mother of Rebecca (deceased) and loving daughter Camille and son-in-law Tom Bryant. In the 60's Jean and Ed formed their first band, toured Germany and the Netherlands to great success, all while earning her Masters Degree in Philosophy. She continued her studies at SIUE, then received her Ph.D. from SIUE in British Literature, where she served as Professor and Chair in the English Department for many years. So, Professor by day, and Jazzy Jeannie by night! Playing piano and singing red-hot Dixie and Blues in her signature fringe dresses! She formed, led, and managed 3 bands and played Europe, Japan, and numerous US Jazz Festivals. Most weekends were spent aboard the Robt. E. Lee on the Landing. She retired in 2008. Jeannie: a wonderful Mother, Professor, Entertainer and Friend! Memorials appreciated to SIUE Foundation, Jean Kittrell Archives & Scholarship.

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Aug. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for E. Kittrell

12 Entries

Miki mahan Heaton

January 12, 2022

I am trying to get in touch with Camille Bryant. I have family history information to get to her regarding her mother´s family.
Please call me. 256-453-6434

Work Kebede

December 19, 2020

I am sorry to hear the sad news. I very well knew Professor Kittrel while she taught at SIUE and I was a student. During my graduate year, I shared a house with her wonderful daughter, Rebecca, who a few years later passed away. May God's peace be with the family.

Jeannie Kittrell was such a great entertainer. You are still in our memories.

Maxine Callies

August 13, 2020

Jeannie Kittrell, a talented, caring, beautiful person inside and out.

Maxine Callies

August 13, 2020

Maxine Callies

August 13, 2020

Jeannie was a talented lady. You always felt good when she was around. How hard it is to lose such a vital, caring woman. You are still remembered and loved, Jeannie

Dale Schrage

February 20, 2019

Jean's music was a pleasure. She will be missed.

Wil Fennell

September 14, 2018

Jean Kittrell was a wonderful teacher who told me I should become a teacher, too. It meant a lot to me back in 1985 when I was a grad student, and it has been a special memory for me as I've taught English in Japan for 25 years now.

She also hired me to plant hundreds of flowers in her yard, tend her garden, and then paint many of the rooms in her house. I couldn't count the many trips I made to the paint store in my search to get just the right shade of blue for her bedroom. I must have painted it five times before it was right. She loved every minute of it, and it was a delight and a thrill for me. As I painted, she told me about some of the joys and pains she'd experienced so far in her life, and she also introduced me to jazz and blues artists like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. I remember how she told me that art and beauty were always made from the real lives of real people. She told me to listen for the healing truth deep inside the sounds of suffering that I might hear in listening to blues music. Those are human sounds made for human ears and hearts to share, she told me.

I will always treasure the time I spent talking with and learning from Jean Kittrell back in Edwardsville, IL, both at her home and in the classrooms of SIUE. She was a beautiful and generous person whose memory I will always cherish. --Wil Fennell, Kyoto, Japan

Nancy Morgan

September 2, 2018

I will miss your wonderful personality and smiling face Jean. You were a real talent my friend. Rest in peace Jean.

Maxine Callies

August 31, 2018

Jeannie, you were a total pro. So musically gifted and such an entertainer. I had a fantastic time photographing you the last time I saw you perform in the Library Park. Best of all was seeing your reaction when I gave you the photos. You were like sunshine whenever you entered a room. Rest well, you've earned the right to sing in the life beyond.

August 22, 2018

For me Jean was a fair and wonderful chairperson, while a taught English 101 & 102. But most unforgettable are the jazz evenings Art, I and many friends from home & abroad enjoyed on the Robert E. Lee. Those were the days, my friends, of joy & love. Thank you, Jeanny and the band!
Astrid & Art Stahnke

Pat Schwarz

August 22, 2018

Jeanie was a wonderful friend of my mothers, Charlotte Peters. They met and she was a frequent invite when Mon was on Channel 2. After Moms' stroke she and Mom would sing in her living room. Moms' speech was impaired but not her singing voice. I will put Jeanie in my prayers this week. Pat Schwarz

Bud Shultz

August 19, 2018

Jeannie, you were a legend and inspiration to musicians young and old.I am glad to have known you and been privileged to play with you.

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