“A Good-Hearted Woman”
Jeanette was born 8-26-32 and passed away on 4-22-25. She was the daughter of Jean and Jessie Ewing Sr. of Urbana and Mahomet, Illinois. As a child she could run faster and jump higher than any boy. “Spitfire” was her nickname. She graduated from Urbana High School. She met and married “a good timin’ man” from Elderton, Pennsylvania, James “Big Jim” Roy McPherson and together they laughed and celebrated for 58 years. Together they raised two children, Mickey McPherson of Urbana, Illinois and Vicki Elder of Stigler, Oklahoma. They also played an important role in the growth of grandson Casey McGarry.
She always talked about the good times they had and all the good times to come. These good times always involved family. Some of those best times included her brother Jessie of Mansfield, Jerry her brother and sister-in-law Carol from Arizona and nieces Deana, Constance, Katie and nephew Scott.
Those good times also included her career with Illinois Bell. She was a telephone operator, on Neil Street in Champaign in the 1950’s when it was a man’s world. However, in the 60’s her career changed. She was one of the first female Frameman, Switchman and Assigner in the state of Illinois. Jeanette worked “Step” and ESS. She didn’t burn her bra, but she did help light the way for others to follow. She retired from Illinois Bell after 35 years in 1985.
The good times include her animals, the Pugs, Spaniels, Lulu the Boxer, a few Australian Shepherds, and a dozen mutts that lived the life of “designer dogs.” There was a Great Pyrenees, and a sausage called Alligator or Peanut. Her favorite cat was the Siamese named Cinnamon. Along the way Henry the monkey even stopped by for a visit. However, it was her Standard Bred Horses and her love of Pacers and Trotters that exposed her to the sport of kings. From Silly Filly to Demon Hill Irish her horses raced the circuits in Illinois and Florida.
Those good times included football, Pee Wee, High School, College and NFL. Whether it was a Friday night watching her son or grandson play or a Sunday game watching Bart Starr or Payton Manning, the game of football gave her joy, to this good-hearted woman. Oh yes, she was also a Cubs and Diamondbacks fan.
Those good times also included several decades of watching Tom Selleck. From the private investigator Magnum to the NYPD Commissioner, he supplied her with many good times. Oh, how she would have loved to have met him over a cup of coffee.
Many of those good times involved friends and food. Just one more piece of lemon meringue pie made by Beverly or Pauline would have made for a special reunion. Later her brothers made her lemon meringue pies.
Those good times included dancing when people were watching and when they weren’t. Jeanette and Jim could clear a dance floor. Strike up the Pennsylvania Polka or the Beer Barrel Polka and they could create good times.
So, Saint Peter, crank up the music and put on a little Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. It is time to play “Good-Hearted Woman” one last time for the good-hearted woman named Jeanette who was called Wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie and Friend. She will be missed by many.
Per her request, no services are planned. She will be interred next to Jim in Danville National Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Inman Assisted Living, Bridle Brook Assisted Living, The Summit at Sunland Springs and Always Pleasant Hospice for their support and care of Jeanette.
Arrangements were cared for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207, (480) 832- 2850.
I loved her so much! She was indeed a good ol’ Gal. I am sure she will be missed by all. We shared many meals together at the Inman. Her stories were always interesting. I enjoyed her company.
I loved her so much! She was indeed a good ol’ Gal. I am sure she will be missed by all. We shared many meals together at the Inman. Her stories were always interesting. I enjoyed her company.