Florence O'Keefe "Jean" Nuber

1929 - 2018

Florence "Jean" O'Keefe Nuber

Euless, FORMERLY OF ABILENE, TX

And so, the adventure begins... Florence "Jean" O'Keefe Nuber, 88, (formerly of Abilene, TX) went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 27, 2018 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and cancer.

Born March 26, 1929 in Union City, NJ, Jean attended Union Hill High School. Jean was the oldest of four children born to Otwell (Patrick) & Effie O'Keefe. Big sister "Jeanie" took pride in assisting her mom and taking care of her siblings. She would tell great stories of all their adventures including the summers she would spend in Pennsylvania with her cousins. She and her siblings were proud members of the Salvation Army in Union City where they were always volunteering.

On March 25, 1951 Jean married George, the boy next door, and their adventure began. By 1952, the couple was expecting their first of four children and George was beginning his career in the United States Air Force. George's military career allowed for Jean and her family to explore the world living in several states, England and The Republic of The Philippines (one of her favorite places). Jean settled right in and enjoyed being an airman's wife. She could often be found substitute teaching, leading Sunday school, volunteering, or heading up a performance at the NCO club on base. She went on many adventures traveling with the NCO Wives Club, going to various countries in Europe...the ultimate for her being Ireland where she proudly kissed the Blarney Stone.

Their Texas adventure began in 1976 when George was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. This became the family home with George ultimately retiring there. During this adventure, Jean continued her life of service as the Director of the Sunday school at her church. She was also the neighborhood babysitter where she was known for teaching swimming lessons, going for walks to McDonald's for ice cream, and even a few "toilet papering" of friend's houses. In addition, Jean was an active member & volunteer of the Salvation Army, Care Inn of Abilene, and Disabled American Veterans.

After the passing of her husband, Jean took on a new adventure, moving to Euless, TX, near her daughter, Dana. While living in Euless, Jean enjoyed growing friendships at First Baptist Church of Euless, especially with all her "girls" in the LIFT Connection Class. She could often be found volunteering with 6 Stones handing out t-shirts to volunteers, backpacks to school kids, sorting food for the pantry, etc. She also completed the Euless Citizens Police Academy and Euless Citizens Fire Academy (where she became the oldest citizen to ever complete the course including putting on bunker gear and assisting in putting out a live fire) and volunteered with their Alumni Associations in any way she could.

"Jean of Abilene", "Grandma Jean", "Ma", "Mom", "Mama Jean" and so many more names described her. Jean was known for an infectious smile, fun-filled laughter, and for maintaining the heart of child her entire life.

Florence Jean was proceeded in death by her parents Patrick and Effie (Warren) O'Keefe, husband CMSGT George H. Nuber, and sisters Joan M. Uhl, & Esta June Silk. She is survived by her brother, Otwell Warren O'Keefe of Great Falls, MT and her four children: daughter Deanna Trout- Shoults and husband Ken of Sierra Vista, AZ; son Darrell Nuber of Springfield, MO; son Dale Nuber & wife Debbie of Elsah, IL; and daughter Dana Nuber of Euless.

"Gramma Jean" will always be remembered by her eight grandchildren: Abby Santee of The Plains, VA; Adriane (Ryan) Burris of Castroville, TX; Tony (Narumi) Nuber of Alexandria, VA; Michael Nuber of Springfield, MO; Amy (James) Wooten of St. Louis, MO; Jamie (Spencer) Heafner of Godfrey, IL; Brennan Nuber of Springfield, MO; and Austin Nuber of Elsah, IL. In addition, she had 9 great grandchildren: Derek and Dakota Santee, Hunter and Hattie Jean Burris, Leon and Eli Nuber, Andrew and Adelyn Heafner, and Lorelai Wooten.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:30AM in the chapel of First Baptist Church Euless. In her honor, the family requests attendees to wear Jean's favorite color of purple. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made in her memory to any of the following: 6 Stones; Salvation Army - Abilene Corps; Euless Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association or Euless Citizen's Fire Academy Alumni Association.

In addition, Florence Jean will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and join her husband on their eternal adventure.

Wherever you go, I will go. Ruth 1:16