Jean Carlyle Parkhurst

She was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Charles and Gladys Prigeon. She was younger sister to Sharon Fraser. Jean's family moved to Kansas City for her father’s work with the railway and she attended Southwest High school where she was a member of Job’s Daughters Bethel No 7 and was Honor Queen. Following high school, Jean continued her education at Central Missouri State University. There she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, and got her Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Upon graduation from CMSU, Jean started her 47 year career at the Bannister Federal Complex managed by Bendix (later known an Allied Signal & Honeywell FM&T) and through many years of dedicated service, she was promoted to the level of Project Supervisor. Jean had an intense passion for her career which was evident in how she excelled at everything she managed in her time at the Bannister Federal Complex. In 1975, Jean was awarded Woman of the Year of the American Business Women's Association. She retired in 2007 but continued to practice her skills on a 10 key by managing family affairs.

While working at Bendix, Jean met the man who swept her off her feet, George Parkhurst. For their first date in October of 1970, George took her flying in his airplane. As Jean remembered the story, she would comment that George "Literally swept her off her feet". Following a couple of engagements, and the arrival of their daughter Jennifer in 1979, they were married March 13, 1983 at the Community Christian Church on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jean was strong, determined, and one of the hardest working people most had ever met. Jean was also the most dedicated, caring, and passionate mother anyone could ever ask for. Regardless of the circumstances, Jean loved unconditionally & fiercely. Her daughter Jennifer was the light of her life. Every day she would get up early for work, work all day, and then would spend the evening with her daughter at whatever lesson was on the agenda for that night. It was always late when they would get home, and by the time she watched the news, it was 10:30pm. The following day she would start the whole routine over again at 5am with a smile and black coffee. Jean's daughter always marveled at how strong her mother was and always appreciated her dedication to her family. Jean ensured that Jennifer had a wonderful childhood, but Jennifer came to realize just how much effort Jean put into making sure her family was cared for once she was out on her own. Regardless of the circumstances, Jean persevered through sheer exhaustion. Her family never once remember her saying “let’s not go tonight" or "I’m too tired”. When Jennifer's father went to Bolivia & Brazil on his endeavors, she was essentially a single mother for months at a time. She took it in stride and always put her family at the forefront of her efforts. All who have met Jean would agree that they have never known a stronger woman with so much love in her heart.

Jean would travel with Jennifer all over the country for horse shows and for a city girl, she took to horsey things the best she could. She was an active pony club mom & was the club treasurer for a while. She even took a couple riding lessons on Jennifer's horse LadyBug in the “mom’s class”. She had so much fun.

After Jean retired in 2007, she couldn't remain idle as she was a very active, busy woman. She took Tae Kwon Do and also attended an H&R block class to learn how to do taxes. When George's cancer returned, Jean and George focused more on their time together by doing more traveling. Jean enjoyed planting flowers every spring although she would say that she had a black thumb. Regardless, her begonias and impatiens were always thriving and she took much joy in nurturing them.

George preceded her in death in May of 2010. Six months later, she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. By all accounts she shouldn’t have survived but her perseverance and determination that she demonstrated all her life played a tremendous role in her recovery. Even though the odds were against her she kept a positive outlook on the situation and began the difficult path to recovery. She learned to walk, talk, write, and eat normal food again all while maintaining her positive attitude and her wonderful sense of humor. When her grandsons were born, she found a whole new level of love. She truly enjoyed being a grandma and was so proud of them, even if she didn't understand how the "whole karate thing worked". She loved them dearly and they love her so much as well.

More recently, Jean was an active resident in her assisted living facility where she participated in women’s Bible study, dominated at bingo, painting, and other craft activities. She was always on watch and would make sure that all of the residents were properly cared for.

She knew her time was closing in, she reconnected with Jesus. The morning before she passed, she was baptized again and entered heaven with a peace about her. Heaven took her home, and we will find comfort in knowing time will help ease grief. Our hearts will never be whole until we meet her again. Her friends and family will find comfort in knowing that she is with Jesus and that she is no longer fighting and in pain. Jean was a very special woman to so many over her years on this Earth.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years George Parkhurst and her sister Sharon Fraser. Those who remain on this earthly plane to miss her are her daughter Jennifer Nelson (Adam), grandsons Reed & Rory Nelson, nieces Karen Shapiro & Joyce Sooy and great-nieces & nephews.

A visitation and celebration of life for Jean will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with the celebration starting at 11:00 AM and graveside service to follow at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.