Jean Stedman

Age 90 of Gardner, Illinois, formerly of Joliet, Illinois, died Saturday, July 6, 2024, in her home. 

Born April 2, 1934 in Ruleville, Mississippi, Jean was a daughter of Thomas and Leo (Clark) Hanna. She was raised and educated in Mississippi and then married her late husband, James Stedman. 

Jean had dedicated her life to faith and was a member of Joliet Wesleyan Church, where she would sing and play the guitar. Jean ensured that her children were raised with faith, making sure that they attended church with her every Sunday. 

In her leisure time, she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and hanging out with her beloved furry friend, Boris. Although Jean was very independent, caring for her family dearly and loved spending quality time with them. She was a social butterfly, with a gift for striking up a conversation with anyone she met and had many great friendships throughout her years.

Survivors include her three children: Dorothy Stedman of Godley, Illinois, Debbie (Ken) Knepper of Braidwood, Illinois, Bob (Debbie) Stedman of Cleveland, Tennessee; eight grandchildren: Bobby (Sara) Stedman, Jr., Jeremy Smith, Holly Smith (Cody Kuehni), Frank L. Staats (Marissa McCarthy), Brandon Jansen, Adam Jansen, Chris Jansen, Francie Vignochi; numerous great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, as well as her best friend, Sheryl Holcomb, her caregiver, Annette Lingwai, and her canine companion, Boris.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; two children: Barb Smith and Michael Stedman; one grandson, Jimmy Smith; and several brothers and sisters. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jan Chandler will officiate, and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington where Jean will be laid to rest with her son, Mike. 

Family and Friends are encouraged to log onto www.Reevesfuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jean’s memorial page online through social media. 

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral home in Coal City. (815-634-2125)