Elsie Loujean "Jean" Shoemaker

Jean was born in Gadsden Alabama on August 24^th, 1931 to Jesse and Vesta Gilbert and went home to Glory, Wednesday October 17^th, 2018 at age 87, in Richland, Washington. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband of 64 years and two children.

Jean grew up in Alabama, graduating, with honors, from The University of Montevallo, attaining double majors in Science and Physical Education and earning a scholarship to study physical therapy at Mayo Clinic. 

She married Floyd Shoemaker Jr. in Gadsden, on May 8^th, 1954. Their early years saw them living in Germany, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California, before settling in Richland in 1971.

Jean had two children – Floyd Shoemaker III and Cheryl, who brought to her two more children through marriage – Patricia Shoemaker (Barrington) and D. Robert “Bob” Kibbe, both of whose parents quickly became “family” as well. Jean also “adopted in love” numerous “children” and "grandchildren” in her church who didn’t have immediate family in the area. 

Jean was deeply involved in her church, teaching the Bible and leading special studies. She also mentored several younger ladies and was especially active in visiting church families in different venues.

Jean was an exemplary wife, mother, and homemaker, to be emulated. Jean always asserted that, to be a good wife and mother, you needed to love others more than yourself – and she lived this model every day of her life. The world is certainly dimmer from her passing, but heaven has gained a shining angel. 

A Homegoing Celebration for Jean will be held Saturday, November 3^rd at 2 pm at Richland Baptist Church, 1632 George Washington Way, Richland, WA, 99354. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richland Baptist Church general or building funds.