Jean Lesley Sargent

Jean Lesley Sargent, 93, of Kirksville, Illinois, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, on March 3, 2024, in Franklin, Tennessee.

Jean, (nee Beverly Jean Lesley), was born in Bethany, Illinois, to Grace Davis and Daniel Lesley on June 30, 1930.   She attended school in Sullivan, Illinois.  Jean married, but later divorced, Philbrook F. Sargent on August 28, 1960, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She completed some business college at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (then, University of Chattanooga).  

Jean worked until she had her children, then dedicated her life to being a wife and a mom. Her greatest love was her children, Nikkie Sargent Flowers and Kristina L. Sargent, and grandchildren, Kallan and Cooper Anderson and Claire A. Flowers. Jean always wanted to help with anything. She started Newcomer’s Clubs and Welcome Wagon in communities when the family would move, which was frequent as Phil, her husband at the time, worked in the defense industry.  She was actively involved at the Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois for many years.

She always held a special spot in her heart for her brother, Lloyd Lesley, who was killed in World War II in Okinawa.  She would speak often and fondly of her mom, Grace Vivian Lesley, and dad, Daniel Lesley and about growing up in their grocery store, in Kirksville, Illinois and on their farm in Findlay, Illinois.  Later in life, Jean sold real estate and was one of the original salespeople at The Villages, near Ocala, Florida.  

Jean is survived by her former spouse, Philbrook F. Sargent; her children, Kristina L. Sargent (Kris) and Nikkie Sargent Flowers and her grandchildren, Kallan I. Anderson, Cooper P. Anderson, and Claire A. Flowers.

Family graveside services will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, in Findlay Cemetery in Findlay, Illinois.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jean's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Hakemian, Webb, Kahn, Allen, and Gurusamy, the nurses of the 6th floor at Williamson Medical, NHC Cool Springs, and Aveanna Health Care. They also thank the current women of the Kerygma Cohort at Denver Seminary, the Alpha leadership team, everyone at Church of the City, and all the friends for your love, support and prayers during the last five months.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a message at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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