Jean Nanney was raised in Anadarko, Okla., born to the Rev. John Richard Kelly and Pauline Campbell Kelly. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelor's degree. She then earned a master's degree in music from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

Jean Nanney lived a musical life, having first played piano for her father's church services when she was 4 years old. She was playing piano for the Windsor Singers up until her death. She was a music teacher in the Urbana school system for decades, with choirs and classes at Urbana High School, Leal Elementary School and Urbana Junior High School over the years.

Jean was an ordained minister and occupied the pulpit at The Windsor of Savoy for years before she ultimately lived there herself. She ministered to patients at Carle Foundation Hospital where she comforted many and was even called upon to give last rights on occasion.

As a high school student, Jean had a passion for helping others and spent her summer as a missionary in South Texas. She was flabbergasted one day to receive an award from former President George H.W. Bush, awarding her as one of our nation's Thousand Points of Light.

Jean is survived by her son, Douglas P. Nanney, an attorney in Knoxville, Tenn.; her daughter, Ruth Elizabeth Beshears, an attorney in Columbus, Ohio; granddaughter, Josette Celeste, an actress, poet and insurance adjuster in Knoxville, Tenn.; grandsons, Jonathan Beshears, an attorney in Columbus, Ohio and Brian Douglas Beshears, a journalist in Columbus, Ohio; and by great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Chapel of Saint John the Divine, 1011 S. Wright St. #6286, Champaign. The Rev. Sean Ferrell will be officiating.

Condolences may be made at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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

Published by The News-Gazette on May 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Nanney

8 Entries

Paul Doerder

May 8, 2025

We were greatly saddened to learn of Jean´s passing. Nora and I always appreciated her no-nonsense, practical outlook. Paul first met Jean in 1968 soon after joining Dave´s lab and Nora met her four years later when she and Dave gave us a tea set as a wedding present. We watched the kids grow up and find their own ways in life. Our condolences to Doug and Ruth and their families. Jean and Dave were special to us and are missed.
Paul and Nora Doerder, Amish Country Ohio

Patricia Adkinson

May 3, 2025

Mrs. Nanney was my music teacher at Leal School and her daughter Ruth was my best friend. Her music class changed my life! Some of my fond memories are when she chose me to go Cincinnati Ohio and taught us a song of the 50 States that I still remember today at the age of 65. I was invited to their home for lunches and the best Birthday parties for her daughter Ruth. Her light will forever shine in all of the lives she touched, I was truly blessed to have her & Ruth in my life! R.I.P. my beloved Mrs. Nanney, job well done!

Rosa Maria and Franco Preparata

May 2, 2025

Very sorry for this loss!What a beautiful person ! We always admired how positive She was in all circumstances of her life.
Many condolences to her children whom we knew whom we knew ages ago and to the grand children never met and whom She was mentioning always with pride and affection.
Rosa Maria and Franco Preparata
Palo Alto Ca, May 2 ,2025

Elaine Peppers

May 1, 2025

Will miss you greatly and our visits at the Windsor. Lovey the over 50 years we were friends. Did crop walk together.

Faye Reid

May 1, 2025

Jean was a good friend who I met at the Windsor. We moved in about the same time. A lovely lady who I had dinner with almost every evening. Always a positive attitude. Will miss her very much. I am blessed to have known her. Faye Reid.

Christy Brinkley

May 1, 2025

Jean and I have been life long friends. She was an excellent musician and teacher. My daughter was in Ruth´s marriage as a flower girl. Through the years I got to know Jean and David´s family. She will be missed!

Suzanne Taylor

April 30, 2025

I sure will miss you and your perky, upbeat personality, Mrs. Nanney. And of course, the halls of the Windsor of Savoy will miss your beautiful music.

Andrzej Kaczanowski, Warsaw, Poland

April 28, 2025

We are very saddened by the passing away of Jean Nanney, who was a fantastic woman.
With the best memories of her friendship. We admired Her involvement in many music, social and religious activities ,including interest in the music and life of Amish community in South Illinois.
Janina and Andrzej
from Warsaw, Poland

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