Jennifer L. Bible

Jennifer L. Bible
Jacksonville - Jennifer Lynn Bible, 51, passed away on July 25th, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, surrounded by loved ones after a 5-year battle with metastatic colon cancer. Since being diagnosed in 2018, Jennifer shared her journey through her fight in an effort to enlighten others about the reality of her sickness. She was a beacon of shining positivity and an example of the power of belief.
Jennifer, better known as Jenn, was born July 14th, 1972, in Flora, IL to Teresa and Mark Bible. Due to the sudden passing of her parents at young ages, Jenn was raised by Phyllis and Jeff Bible, alongside Rowena and Harvey Tibbs. Phyllis and Rowena survive.
Jenn is also survived by her daughter, Emma (Alec) DeYong of Granite City; brother, Steve (Donna) Bible of Louisville; sister, DruAnn O' Dell of Clay City; and many good friends, including Jennifer Nebel and family of Jacksonville, Rhonda Johnson of Roodhouse, Tammy Joseph of Jacksonville, Karen Fezler of Jacksonville, and Jill Johnson of Louisville; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jenn was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Teresa Bible, Jeff Bible and Harvey Tibbs; and sister, Kris Lewis (surviving husband, Marty).
In 1999, Jennifer gave birth to her greatest accomplishment, her daughter Emma Terese Bible. Anyone that knew the pair could see the unbreakable bond of Jenn and Emma. They were blessed to spend 24 years of life together down on Earth. Jennifer was the most incredible single mom to her daughter and her relationship with Emma served as a beautiful example of love for those that knew them. Jennifer, Emma, and their puppies Monroe, Beatrice, and Clementine, were proof that a family certainly didn't need to be large (or human) to radiate the utmost amount of love.
Jenn was a kindergarten and first grade teacher in the Jacksonville 117 School District for 27 years. Jenn has made a huge impact on many students throughout her career. Her ability to make students feel cared for, loved, encouraged, and motivated about school made her a role model and mentor to her students; but also many of her colleagues. Her eagerness to continue teaching throughout her battle with cancer, as well as a craniotomy to remove a brain tumor during the height of the pandemic, is a perfect example of her dedication to the work she loved and the children she served. In 2022, as a crowning achievement in her career, Jenn was awarded the Bill Russell award. This honor is given each year to a JSD 117 teacher who shows dedication and innovation to the advancement and continued growth of JSD 117 students. Her legacy in the Jacksonville education community cannot be understated and will not be forgotten. Jenn would want all her students to know that she loves them, is so proud of what they have gone on to accomplish, and excited to see all that they will come to achieve in their lives.
Jenn's great joys in life consisted of spending time with her family and friends, curling up on the couch with her pups, going on drives with Emma, grabbing a Flora Dairy Queen Coke or ice cream, listening to her true crime podcasts, floating in a pool, doodling, drawing, crafting, painting, or going out for some retail therapy at Target or Home Goods.
Jenn has left an everlasting mark in this world and would want us all to "keep shining", "believe", and continue rocking anything with sparkles, unicorns, or rainbows.
A memorial service for Jenn will be held at 4 pm Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 2-4 pm prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.