Jean M. Depoy

Through the life of Jean DePoy we see what it truly means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Falling in behind her love for and devotion to her heavenly Father was the unending love she had for the family she viewed as her most precious gift. Someone who never took even one moment for granted, Jean experienced so much of what life has to offer alongside the love of her life for 65 years. Her dedication to others extended to so many within her reach and in so doing, she created a lasting footprint on the hearts of many. Jeans family and friends find comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe and look forward to seeing her again along the streets of gold. The year 1929 is often remembered as the year of the devastating crash of the stock market that sent our nation spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression throughout the decade that followed. It was a dark time in our nations history, but a time when people came together to weather the storm, helping each other in any way they could. This same year brought great joy to one young couple from Lowell, Michigan, as they were pleased to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on August 2nd. Baby Jean was one of three girls born to her parents, Jerome and Vivian (McKinley) Turner, and she was joined in her family by her sisters, Geraldine and Jane. Shortly after she was born Jean moved with her family to Grand Rapids where she attended local schools until about the 5th grade. At that time the Turner family moved to the Lakeside area of Muskegon. Jean settled into her new surroundings and began attending Bunker School. Her family later moved to Muskegon Heights, which brought her to Muskegon Heights High School where she graduated as part of the class of 1947. Not to be forgotten during Jeans years as a young lady was her introduction to the man with whom she would write an eloquent love story that spanned 65 years. His name was Kayle DePoy, and they met while Jean was in junior high as they happened upon each other while walking to school one day. Jean was smitten right from the start, writing in her diary, Will he ever walk with me again? As fate would have it that walk led to many more and true love blossomed. With a desire to build a life together Jean and Kayle were married right out of high school on January 17, 1947. About two years later the couple became devout Christians and attended a missionary Bible institute in California for two years. After the births of their daughter, Judy, and their son, Jack, they left for Brazil, South America, as missionaries. While there they were blessed with the birth of their son, Jim. The family was given a difficult obstacle a short time later when Jean became very ill. They then returned to Michigan where she was diagnosed with polio. Although she was told that she would never walk again, Jean was a courageous and resilient woman who recovered with the help of her family, leaving her able to tend to fully tend to their needs again. Soon after, the DePoys moved to Pennsylvania where Jeans husband became the director of New Tribes Missionary School. The family was later completed with the births of their son, Jerry, and their daughter, Janet. The family loved living in Pennsylvania as it was amazing to see the beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Years later the family returned to Muskegon where her husband found employment and preached at various local churches. In addition to the joy she found in caring for her family, Jeans life was enriched in many other ways as well. She loved traveling, and because of her husbands work they were able to visit many places throughout the United States. A trip to Europe was one of the most memorable experiences of her life. During their retirement years Jean and Kayle spent many winters in Florida where they were also able to visit their son, Jim, who lived nearby. When in Muskegon the couple enjoyed long car rides through country roads visiting several friends along the way. Together they also loved playing card games with her daughter, Judy, and her husband, Don, every Wednesday and Saturday - a tradition that was in place for 30 years. When enjoying some down time Jean often kept busy completing 500 piece puzzles, and with her own creative flair she delighted in making beautiful flower arrangements and decorating her home. She was also a gifted seamstress who liked making dolls. Of course her church home, Family Bible Church, which was formerly Christian Missionary Alliance, was an important part of Jeans life as well. For many years Jean loved making the trip to Grand Rapids to savor a Saturday meal at the First Wok Restaurant. The owner became like family to Jean, and whenever they were there they were treated to special attention and service. When the trip later became too much for them, food was sent to their Muskegon home. Although complications from polio syndrome made Jeans last days difficult ones, she was well taken care of by her loving husband and Harbor Hospice. When reflecting on the life of Jean DePoy, her life exemplifies the description of a wife and mother given to us in Proverbs 31:10, which reads, A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Jean was a compassionate woman with an insatiable thirst for life that radiated to all those who were near. A true blessing in every way, she will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Jean M. DePoy died Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Jeans family includes her husband, Kayle; sons, Jack (Debra) DePoy of Fruitport, James (Linda) DePoy of Punta Gorda, FL, Jerry (Judy) DePoy of Muskegon; daughters, Judith (Don) Vanderkooi of Muskegon, Janet DePoy of N. Muskegon; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and sister, Jane (Kenneth) Kantola of Muskegon. Jean was preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine Cook. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with a friend of the family officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visit with Jeans family and friends on Monday, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.