Jeanne Gilchrist

Jeanne was born in Seminole, Oklahoma on July 22, 1923. Her birth name was Delores
Imogene Poe. In her first few months, family called her Cotton-Top because she was so
blonde; she was almost white headed. Then she became "Jeanne".
As a child, she loved dance class and the performances and recitals. Her picture was in the
local paper many times.
In high school, she was in the Seminole Chieftains Pep Squad, the choir and many other
school activities. She was also active in the Seminole Baptist Church.
Jeanne traveled a lot growing up. Her aunt and uncle traveled frequently and often took Jeanne
with them. She got to go to places like the World's Fair in New York, The Kentucky Derby,
many of the national parks, various sites in California and many more.
The family moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma and Jeanne attended Drauns Business College in
Oklahoma City. After graduation, she worked in the office at Montgomery Wards in
Shawnee.
She met Clarence Gilchrist; they married and remained in Shawnee for several years.
Their daughter Pamela was born during this time. Clarence's work with Phillips Petroleum
required they move every 2 to 4 years. Their son Paul was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Most moves were within the states of Oklahoma and Texas, but they were eventually transferred to Great Bend, Kansas. Jeanne's dad passed away and Jeanne brought her mom to Great Bend.
Jeanne was an excellent seamstress. She made clothes for her mother and two aunts that
did not sew. She made clothes for her daughter and son. She made drapes and curtains.
When she got her first granddaughter, she filled a small suitcase with over 30 outfits of
Barbie clothes, including boots and hats. Each outfit was sewn with love. Jeanne joined the quilters' guild in Great Bend and she made many beautiful quilts.
After retiring and Jeanne's mom passing away, Clarence and Jeanne moved back to
Texas. They settled in Sherman. Clarence had several health issues and Jeanne was
diagnosed with Alzheimer's while living in Sherman. They moved to Plano to be closer
to their daughter. Clarence passed away in 2011.
Jeanne was always faithful in her Bible study. She taught children's Sunday School and
Vacation Bible School in each place they lived until moving to Sherman. She "retired" to an
adult class, but she missed the kids. As the Alzheimer's progressed she was no longer
able to go to church. Now she is in heaven with her Lord. Jeanne is survived by her daughter Pamela Shaw and her husband Lowell, son Paul Gilchrist and his wife Karen, granddaughter Staci Dillahunty and her husband Aron, great granddaughters Carey Grace and Madi Dillahunty, foster granddaughter Dina Reed and foster great granddaughter Hannah Hart. The family will receive friends at a visitation 1 hour prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Plano, 1300 E. 15th St., Plano, Texas 75074. Jeanne will be laid to rest next to her husband Clarence at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Shawnee Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma.