Jean Elmore

ADVANCE, NC - Beloved Jean Anne (Schans) Elmore, age 75, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during a procedure to treat acute pulmonary embolism. Jean was born in Holland, Michigan, on January 21, 1950, to Marvin John and Mary Ruth (Gezon) Schans. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Esther (Loyal) Vanette.
Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Garland. She also leaves her daughter Erin Pfeiffer and husband, Austin, and four cherished grandchildren to whom she was "Marmie": Silas, Lucy Jean, Marco, and Blaise of Winston-Salem, NC. Also surviving are Jean's brother David (Theresa) Schans; sister Mary (Don) Doezema; and nieces and nephews: Phil (Kelly) Vannette, Amy Vannette, Tim Vannette, Anne (Bruce) Benda, Jonathan Schans (deceased), Peter (Audre) Schans, Andrew (April) Doezema, Carole (Mark) Bradley, Linda (Brad) Justice, Nancy (Russ) Holland, Susan (Lance) Runion, Julie (Steve) Ahlrichs (both deceased), Beth (Jerry) Gillespie, Oscar Patrick (Jennifer Eddy) Farley, Thelma (Donna, deceased) Farley, Bryan (Alicia) Farley, Herschel Cook, David (Petra) Cook, Kathy (Ronnie) Rowland, and Angela (Doug) Fitch.
Jean grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a community rich in her Dutch heritage. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and attended Calvin College before transferring to the University of Michigan, where she received her bachelor's degree in nursing. She then practiced nursing in Gloucester, Massachusetts, before moving to West Virginia to teach at a community college. In 1974, at a student graduation ceremony, she met Garland, who was also on the faculty but based on a different campus. They immediately knew they were meant for each other and began making wedding plans three days later. Jean's eyes never stopped sparkling for him.
Jean and Garland moved to Indiana in 1976 so Jean could complete graduate and specialist degrees as a Nurse Practitioner. Both Jean and Garland later accepted faculty appointments at Indiana University, which led to deep roots in the state where they settled for over four decades. They were members of Zionsville Fellowship Church, where Jean's wisdom and gentle leadership shepherded countless Bible studies and friendships.
Jean had an academic interest in gerontology and a lifelong affection for older adults. She established a successful home health agency, served on the Indiana Health Facilities Council, and was recognized as a "Sagamore of the Wabash," the highest honor bestowed on a citizen by the Indiana Governor. Jean combined her nursing experience with tender compassion, committing much of her time to volunteer efforts.
For several years, Jean was a devoted caregiver to Garland's mother, Helen. Following Helen's death, Jean extended her hospitality by opening their home as a bed and breakfast. For eight years, she gracefully ran Country Gables, serving several thousand guests, preparing extravagant breakfasts daily, and ensuring sheets were crisply ironed. Her peach French toast was legendary; guests left as friends and often returned.
Jean's creative talents and industriousness were boundless---from finishing drywall to designing stained glass windows and lamps, she and Garland beautifully restored their Victorian-era farmhouse together over a period of three decades.
In retirement, Jean and Garland moved to North Carolina to be near Erin, Austin and their treasured grandchildren. She reveled in sharing in the life of dance recitals, soccer games, birthdays, friends, and family meals. Marmie was adored by her grandchildren. She was always ready for a game of Sorry!, a baking adventure that left no bowl untouched, or a cozy snuggle with a book. The grandchildren's greatest rivalry was typically over whose turn it was for the weekend rotation of sleepovers at Marmie's home.
Jean had a wonderful sense of adventure, making memories across Europe, in Latin America, and most recently exploring Paris with Erin and Lucy. She was an avid gardener, stained glass artist, and pianist---often beginning her mornings by playing familiar hymns. Her favorite place was her seat in the sunroom overlooking the woods, peacefully taking in the birds and wildlife that graced the property.
Jean was pure light. She embodied purity, beauty, and love that were not of this world. Her gentle disposition, warm smile, funny laugh, and loving kindness offered encouragement and a safe harbor to all. Her nurturing and caretaking were unending. She gave the best hugs.
Jean's rich life on earth was one marked by a steadfast gaze toward her eternal home and meeting her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Jean often spoke of the joys she anticipated with assurance as she waited for the day when she would see God face-to-face. Even as her health declined with the onset of Alzheimer's disease and she found herself beset with new burdens and limitations, she remained a steadfast servant of her Lord---vessel of the indwelling Spirit, a recipient, and a fount of His grace.
Her passing has left an unfillable void in the hearts of so many family members and friends who wanted more time with her but whose lives have been forever marked by her lasting impact.
The family held a private burial in West Virginia and will hold a Celebration of Life service in North Carolina on a future date.
Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.baile-kirk.com.