Jeanne Sheets

1923 - 2018

Sheets, Jeanne 1923 -2018
Jeanne Kelly Sheets, loving wife, devoted mother, and dedicated volunteer, was born to Isaac W. and Ruby Mahaffey Kelly on October 2, 1923 in Portsmouth, Ohio. After a long decline, she went home to her cherished Scioto County January 5, 2018 to rest next to her husband, Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Sheets, M.D. Possessing a kind and a generous spirit, Jeanne embraced learning and community involvement. A 1941 graduate of Portsmouth High School, she first met Jerry in the first grade at Wilson Elementary School. Destined not meet again until attending Portsmouth High School where they were nicknamed "Shelley" and "Keats." Those poetry-inspired names were inscribed on their wedding rings when they were married July 4, 1948. A 1945 graduate of The Ohio State University, Jeanne taught high school English and history after her graduation and during her first years of marriage. Jeanne and Jerry were married for nearly 60 years until his death in 2008. The couple, both coming from small families, decided to have a large one. Their children were collectively called "The Seven Ks." Jeanne and Jerry were faithful members of Central Presbyterian Church, Wesley (now Cornerstone) United Methodist Church, and Bigelow United Methodist Church, all located in Portsmouth, Ohio. In their later years, they returned to Central Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth and then attended Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church in Pickerington, Ohio, when they moved to an assisted living facility in Fairfield County. Jeanne was well known and respected in the local community. She had a real passion for serving others, helping individuals in need and by her involvement in local organizations and projects for almost 60 years. From recognition dinners to fundraisers, Jeanne donated her time and financial support to many local organizations and community projects. As a mother, she was involved in PTAs/PTOs, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts troops, as well as serving as a Girl Scout leader in Portsmouth, nurturing young girls, for more than 25 years. Jeanne was a strong supporter of higher education for young women and was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women. For many years, she organized the Portsmouth AAUW chapter's annual author's luncheon. As a woman of strong faith, she was active for more than 30 years in United Methodist Women at Bigelow United Church and at Wesley United Methodist Church in Portsmouth. Among important community projects, Jeanne served as an organizer for Meals on Wheels, a member of the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals Committee, the chairperson for the Scioto County History Book Project for the Portsmouth Area Recognition Society, and the coordinator for the 40th and 50th class reunions of the Portsmouth High School Class of 1941. Jeanne was a caring and compassionate person, who always put the needs of others before her own. She absolutely was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren A kind soul ready to lift others up, she always helped people in need whether it was providing a listening ear and kind word, offering a ride, or giving money for a meal or special need. Her smiling, friendly face always lit up a room. Jeanne also is preceded in death by her brother Charles Kelly of Sacramento, California She is survived by her son, Keith and his wife, Becky Sheets of Rushville, Ohio; son, Kerry and his wife, Ann Marie Sheets of Columbus; son, Kevin and his wife, Peggy Sheets of Portsmouth; daughter, Kathleen and her husband, Roger Lefkowitz of South Euclid, Ohio; daughter, Kimberly and her husband, Herb Schuette of Delaware, Ohio; son, Kent and his wife, Anna Sheets of Milford, Ohio; and daughter, Kellie and her husband, David Burroway of Chapmanville, West Virginia. She also is survived by 13 grandchildren and, to date, 12 great grandchildren. The family gives their greatest gratitude for Jeanne's care during the last nine years to the staffs at: The Inn at Fairfield Village, in Lancaster, Ohio; the Inn at Chapel Grove in Heath, Ohio; and the Hospice of Central Ohio. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 10, from 6-8 p.m. at F.C. Daehler Mortuary at 915 9th Street, Portsmouth. A service celebrating her life will be held the following day on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Daehlers with Rev. Tom Charles officiating. In lieu of flowers, people may give to the Senior Nutrition Program, P. O. Box 1525, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662; or their charity of choice.