Jeanne Clem is at home with the Lord
by Pastor Scott Thomas
It is with gratitude to God for his grace and the promise of redemption that our dear sister Jeanne Clem was ushered into the presence of Jesus. She is “away from the body and at home with the Lord.” – 2 Cor. 5:8
After several restless nights in apparent pain, her family reports that Jeanne slept in peace for 2 days. Around 3pm Monday, Bill called the kids together upstairs and Jeanne was sitting up in bed, her eyes wide open, arms moving and she looked each person in the eye and said something that resembled, “I love you” and then she was gone. Though she couldn’t talk, it appears God answered Bill’s prayer that she be aware and coherent when she left.
Please pray for Bill, John, Billy, Jenny and Chrisse as they mourn the loss of a wife of 30 years and a loving mom and grandma. Jeanne had the greatest smile of anyone I have ever known. It lit up the room, lightened hearts and infused hope. I can’t describe it adequately in words but I know it had that effect on me every time. Maybe I realized what she was going through and could not understand why she was still smiling.
Bill and Jeanne have been examples of God’s grace through this 6-year battle with cancer. Bill said, “In Matthew 7, Jesus told us that the wise man built his house on the rock,” Bill shared with a glimmer in his eye. “When the winds and the rains came, his house stood firmly.” I sat on the edge of the chair expecting the normal application. I was wrong. Bill sagely reflected, “God told us to build our house on the rock, not to avoid the winds and the rains. We cannot predict the weather, but we are safe on the Rock.”
Jeanne’s funeral is Friday at 3:00 pm at Mars Hill West Seattle. Those who knew Jeanne or those who were touched by her story are welcome to attend.
Members and Regular Attenders are asked to please park at Chief Sealth High School, where you will be able to park and ride a shuttle bus to the campus. Shuttle buses arrive at Chief Sealth every 5-10 minutes and the ride takes about the same time. Please give yourself ample time for this shuttle bus trip. Chief Sealth is located at 2600 SW Thistle St Seattle WA 98126.
We respectfully ask that you do not park on the streets around the church, out of love and respect for our neighbors.
Show/Hide (4) comments
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet Jeanne and Bill on my visit to my brother, Scott Willhite, this past July. Jeanne’s life and her video has and will touch the lives of many. God is still using her in this world. But, Oh, the Joy she must have felt as she ran into the arms of The Father. No more suffering, no more pain, no more questions. I pray His blessings and peace on Bill and the family in the coming days. We do serve an awesome God. Thank you for sharing this testimony with others. You are loved, Vicki
Dear Bill,
I knew you and Jeannie when you were director of WWU’s INN ministries back in 1994 or so. I was in leadership with you for a few years, I enjoyed you both so very much. When the news, through a college friend, reached me recently of Jeannie’s death my heart ached for you. I wanted to tell you that you are loved by SO MANY people, and despite the years I remember you and ache for your loss. I have been praying diligently for you and your family now. May our Lord wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tightly. — All our love, Bob & Erika (formerly Jacobson) Shupe and our 5 kids.
Dear Bill and Your Wonderful Family;
I just found out today (Jan.8) about Jeanne’s passing into the presence of our Lord Jesus. I echo the words of Scott Thomas when he says that Jeanne’s smile lit up a room. She is an amazing woman. That is evident by how she kept you and those wonderful four kids of yours so loved on and Bill so well groomed. I remember the way that Jeanne and you and your kids welcomed me into your home in Sycamore in 1998 when I went to D 98 in Chicago and then how you both made me feel a part of the family when you two took us all for Chicago Pizza downtown. Jeanne made my wife Sandra feel so special when you came and spoke to us at THAW 2004. I have the deepest admiration for your wife and for you my brother. I will continue to pray for you and your dear family.
Lots of Love
Bob Evans
British Columbia
Dear Bill, Jenny, Chrisse, John and Billy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though you know she is happy in paradise with our Lord, it’s not easy for those left on earth. A poem by Helen Steiner Rice helped me when my mom died when I was 15 years old. I can’t remember it exactly, but I hope it will bring you comfort, too. When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not grieve and shed wild tears, nor hug your sorrows to you through the years. But start out bravely with a gallant smile, and for my sake and in my name do all things the same…and never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for yu in the sky. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With Lots of Love, Elsie Walter, Bellingham, WA