Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Jewel Imperial Obituary

Jewel Imperial passed to the arms of her Creator on September 29, 2007.
Memorial Service was held Friday in Winston-Salem, N.C. Memorials: in lieu of flowers to Grace Center at: Grace For Children Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 25192, Winston-Salem, NC 27114-5192 or visit www.mamameheret.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Jewel Imperial

23 Entries

Sally Vandeberghe

October 30, 2007

I only met Jewel a couple of times while working on a show with her sister Nici at the Lincoln Community Playhouse ten years ago. I was impressed by both Nici and Jewel! Such awesome girls! I've been thinking of you ever since I saw Jewels notice in the paper and lifting you up in prayers of comfort ever since. Back in 1997, when I first met you, Nici, (and Jewel, and your parents) I lost my own sister much too soon. So, I know the grief that goes with losing a sibling. That's why my prayers of comfort for you will continue for a long time. Certainly Jewel is sitting beside her Savior, and that's a blessing!
Love and Prayers to you.
Sally & Tim Vandeberghe

Mike O'Donnell

October 21, 2007

I would like to add my condolences to the many listed for Jewel's family and to Matthew and all that knew her. I don't really know any of you, but I can certainly feel what you all feel as I read the words you have dedicated to her.
I have 3 children fairly close in age to Jewel and I first met her at Grace Chapel where we played music and worshiped together. She was the type of person that one wants to know better right away. I regret that she moved away before my family and I had the chance to get to know her more, but I will certainly never forget her. She seemed to be a deep and complex person, but one with such a loving and caring personality. She was captivating when she sang and her music was from deep within her soft, beautiful heart. The depth from which her songs came made me weep more than once.
I will miss her greatly; her smiles, her hugs, her caring and even her sad times. Few of us touch as many lives as Jewel did in her short stay. This is evident in the number of entries in this book from people who only knew her briefly but were drawn to her. I pray for all of her family and friends. Losing a loved one is always hard.
I truly look forward to seeing her again someday.

Leah Noble

October 10, 2007

I had the honor of being related to Jewel Imperial. I have known her from birth and am so proud to be her cousin. I cannot find words to express my saddness. It is so comforting to read the beautiful things everyone has written about her. I wish I could hug her and tell her how much I love her. She touched so many lives. I feel so lucky to have had her in mine. God Bless you all.

Matthew Laughlin

October 9, 2007

I didn't have any idea that anything like this was being done for my Jewel prior to a few hours ago. Jewel was the gentlest, kindest soul I've ever known. We were both so happy to have finally found our soulmates. Jewel's love, compassion and support go so much farther than I or perhaps any of us expected. Clearly that also extends to how many people's lives she touched as well. I really don't know what else to say except thanks... to all of you. You have been here for the planning, many of you were here for the memorial and you are still there holding us up while we try to face down what has happened. Jewel is still here. If you need proof, simply turn your lights and stereos off and stare up into the sky at night for a few minutes. She is there as clearly as if she were standing right in front of you...

Julia Gfell

October 8, 2007

I met Jewel in chorus class and knew of her love for music and Eddie Vetter. She was a kind hearted soul and Im sure she is in heaven above singing with the angels.

Ken Michael

October 7, 2007

I just learned about dear Jewel's untimely passing. My path crossed with Jewel's after meeting Matt about two years ago. I always sensed a glow from her inner being - like an angelic aura. She was one of the most giving, unselfish persons I have ever met. My deepest sympathies to Matt, Nancy, Bobby and family.

john hupka

October 7, 2007

i had the absolute privilege of meeting jewel in '97 at pius. i never had the courage to tell her what an impact she made on my life. just last week i was talking to a new friend about how julie changed my life. i really wish i would of had the opportunity to tell her that she was the greatest person i have ever met. i am truely thankful for meeting such an amazing individual.

Susan Bryant

October 6, 2007

I met Jewel about 3 years ago while she was sitting on the porch of a friend, strumming her guitar and singing with the voice of an angel. I only saw Jewel about 3 more times in those 3 years, but each time I saw her, I asked her to sing for me. Each time she sang, I wept. Not because of sadness, but because she took me to places that I had never been before with her voice. I share in your shock and sadness.

Jody Kreikemeier

October 5, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I was Jewels Guidance Counselor during her years at Pius X in Lincoln, NE. She truly was a gift to all who knew her. I have thought of her often throughout the years. Hers was an old soul that taught me much. Her and her family will forever remain in my prayers.

Don Denton

October 4, 2007

I met Jewel a few years ago at an open stage at Duggan's Pub in Lincoln, NE. I was immediately impressed with her singing and even more impressed with her kindness. I consider myself very lucky to have known her.

My thoughts and prayers are with Jewel's family and friends.

Lauren Deal

October 4, 2007

I didn't know Jewel well but met her several times in high school through mutual friends; I remember thinking that she had an amazing voice and being so impressed by her musical skills. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Barbara Barron

October 4, 2007

My heart goes out to the Imperial family in the tragic and untimely passing of lovely Jewel, as well as to Mr. Laughlin, her soul mate.
May you all somehow be consoled by the knowledge that she is now in a better place, although you are left hurting deeply from her sudden death. I don't know what happened but I pray that you all will be reunited in Heaven some day. The world has lost a special "Angel". My sincerest condolences,

Sarah Jenkins

October 4, 2007

Jewel was a dear friend in high school - I think so fondly and gratefully of all the silly things we did, and the music she shared with me, and the times that she was a sympathetic ear when I needed one. She was a beautiful person and I am so sad that she is gone. My prayers are with her family and all her loved ones.

Luke Sticka

October 3, 2007

Jewel positively blessed my life. She was the first person to get me out of my house and onto the stage with my music; she and I would play her songs for crowds at her church and open stages. Those precocious years of mine were some of my favorites. They opened a door to bigger opportunities, yet I find myself sometimes wishing for a slower pace, quieter times, and instead of a rock band behind me, her steady rhythm and booming voice beside me.
Jewel... such a kind heart as yours was - is - too big for a world like this. I trust you are at peace. We'll see you, soon enough.

Katie Taddeucci

October 3, 2007

I knew Julie (Jewel) about 10 years ago and did not have the privilege to know her better over the years. From what I have read and learned since her passing, she was a remarkable woman who touched many lives, and I am just lucky to have known her when I did. My thoughts and prayers are with the Imperials and all of her loved ones at this difficult time of unexpected loss.

Sarah McFarland

October 3, 2007

Jewel and her family lived in my neighborhood while she was a student at Reynolds High School. I remember how she turned her car to avoid hitting a squirrel and bumped into a van parked in my drive. No serious damage was done to the van and the squirrel wasn't hurt. My heart goes out to her family and the many others who loved her. Sarah McFarland

Robbie Hoyme

October 3, 2007

Dear family of Jewel, I know that you will miss your lovely daughter, I always enjoyed her joyful attitude! She will be remember by all of us at GAIA.

Valerie Williams

October 3, 2007

This wonerful human being has inspired me to fulfill the destiny that God has for me to Save our children. I feel deep within my spirit that this young women lived her life to live again. "Fret not for you shall truly see her beautiful face in heaven!!!"

Annie Jenkins

October 3, 2007

I remember my daughter coming home from Reynolds HS and telling me about a new girl in her chorus class whom she thought she would like to get to know. Jewel was that girl, and we loved getting to know the lovely, gentle, and talented person that she was. Her friendship with my daughter Sarah enriched our lives. I am heartbroken at her death.

Kenny Brinker

October 3, 2007

I knew Jewel in high school and loved her and her music. She was such a blessing to everyone then and I pray that all who knew her were touched like I was. God bless her and the entire Imperial family.

James Lewis

October 3, 2007

I will always love and cherish our friendship. You were an inspiration to me and I don't think I ever told you. You and your music will remain in my heart forever. I miss you.

Brian Johnson

October 3, 2007

What a joy it was to have known you Jewel. As I continue on with my journey, I will never forget the times we shared. I hope you have found the peace we all so desperately search for in life.

Clara Holcomb

October 3, 2007

What a wonderful inspiration this young lady must have been. Although I did not know her, I had to share my thoughts. May God bless and keep her family and friends during this time of sadness and continue her good deeds through her inspiration to others.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results