Jeanette Marie Colburn

Mrs. Jeanette Marie Colburn of Visalia and former long-time resident of Escondido passed away into the loving arms of her Savior, Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the age of 85 after a 12-year battle with dementia. Jeanette otherwise known as Jeanie to those close was gifted into this world on September 27, 1937, in Los Angeles, CA to Raymond and Lois Donley.

Jeanette could be described as joyful, intelligent, thoughtful, poised, kind, gracious, and steadfast; themes that remained constant in her life. Many would often say she was without a mean bone in her body. Jeanette grew up in the LA area and attended George Washington High where she was very involved. Jeanette was extremely talented and intelligent, giving all her effort in her many endeavors. She was President of the Latin Club, Secretary of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Inter-Club council, Acapella Choir, straight A student, and involved in many sports. She loved to swim and was a lifeguard at the local public pool. Jeanette enjoyed singing in a choral trio at Church regularly. Earning a scholarship to UCLA and attending to study Latin and English, her wise mind proved to be far beyond her years at a young age.

Jeanette made the most important decision when she was 18 to surrender her life to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. This decision marked her life and shaped her into an incredible individual we all knew and loved so dearly. Every room she walked in was filled with her exuberant smile and joyful laugh that would make your heart warm; it was a rarity to catch her without the two.

While attending UCLA in 1956, Jeanette met the love of her life, Darrel, at church at the age of 18. They married shortly after and moved away to Davis, CA where they started their family. After Darrel finished his degree in Vocational Agriculture, they relocated to Calipatria, CA where his teaching career took off and Jeanette's committed role of motherhood began in full swing, raising four sons. In 1966 they moved to Escondido, CA where their family would be raised. Jeanette supported her husband Darrel’s calling of Vocational Agriculture and for the next 26 years, it was the center of their lives.

Jeanette was very engaged in the community. She served on the Escondido Arts Foundation, Escondido Elementary School District School board, and in the local 4-H chapter. Jeanette and Darrel attended Emmanuel Faith Community Church for many years where Jeanette took part in the church choir. Her love of singing, especially gospel hymns, stayed with her for the rest of her life. Even though dementia robbed her of her intelligent mind, scripture and hymns clung to her heart and lips unceasingly.

After Darrel retired from teaching, they moved to Visalia where they remained involved. Jeanette and Darrel started a feed store, farmed walnuts, and refinished and sold antiques. Darrel and Jeanette’s passion for antique auctions was something to behold. Almost every grandchild of theirs has fond memories of antiquing with Grandma and Granddad. Jeanette used her eye for beauty to open up an antique store while in Escondido. She did this to help pay for college for her boys. One of Jeanette’s greatest passions was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. They traveled thousands of miles and spent numerous vacations watching sports, school programs, church programs, and livestock shows.

After Darrel’s sudden passing in 2010, Jeanette was even more diligent, trying not to miss a single function. Her legacy as a loving and devoted follower of Christ, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend will long be remembered and cherished by her family. The example of Jeanette's life will be marked by her servant's heart to others and most importantly to her Heavenly Father. May we all find the same joy and peace shone through her life from her blessed assurance of placing her faith and trust in the Gospel.

Jeanette’s family is eternally grateful to her long-term care provider Diane Howerton, whose love and compassion in the difficult times made her life more pleasant and full. We would also like to thank all the women who helped care for her over the last couple of years. Jeanette will be greatly missed, but her family is comforted by the fact that she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with Darrel, the love of her life.

She is survived by her 4 sons, Steven and wife Karen; Brian and wife Beth; Ronald and wife Lisa; Gary and wife Kim; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister Karen Howell: She was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce, and a sister Gail.

A memorial service will be held, Monday, October 17th at 11:00 am at Gateway Church of Visalia. A private graveside service will be held at Visalia District Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the “Fellowship of Christian Athletes” c/o Central Cal FCA, 1175 Shaw Ave Ste 104 #370, Clovis Ca. 93612.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Colburn family.