JEAN CUFF SPERRY

by Rita Cox

Mrs. Jean Cuff Sperry, 88, of Canton, Mo., died July 18, 2015 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

She was born on April 15, 1927 in Green Bay Wisconsin, daughter of Donald C. and Pearl C. Marsh Stimson. She married Dr. John Alexander Sperry Jr. on August 18, 1957 in Spencerport, New York. He died January 24, 2003.

Jean and her husband moved to Canton in 1957 when John joined the faculty of Culver-Stockton College. Jean was active in college womens and students organizations such as Sigma Kappa Sorority. She supported the Danforth Foundation Overseas Study Program, hosted the International Visiting Professors Program and oversaw the C-S Gardens. Jean worked in the C-S Public Relations office, was a charter member and past Vice President of Canton AAUW, past board member of the Canton Area Arts Council, member of chapter B.S., P.E.O of Canton, hospitality committee of the Quincy Museum and Quincy Artist Guild. She was past President of the Quincy Family Planning Organization and had been a Girl Scout Leader in Canton. Jean remained a dedicated member of the Quincy Unitarian Church throughout her life in Canton.

Survivors include her sister, Joan (Charles) S. Brennan of Sarasota, FL; Charles sister, Catherine (Robert) Schwyn of Naples, FL; Charles sister in law, Susan (Arthur) Eddy of Albion, NY; Nieces Barbara (Steven) B. Johnson of Bellingham, WA; Nancy (K Collins) S. Brennan of Lafayette, LA; Nephew Charles (Neale) P.E. Brennan of Hernando, FL; Grand-nephew Lucas (Megan Carney) T.C. Johnson of Seattle, WA; Grand-nieces Nell (Trent) B. Lee of Nashville, TN; Ayla R. Reith of Dakar, Senegal; Siena (Brennan) Thomas of Leadville, CO; Samantha (Ryan) Hunter-Padgett of Tallahassee, FL; Tobey (Casey) Phillips of Inverness, FL; Cousins Cris (Maurice) Haltom of Ithaca, NY, Kim (Richard) Remley of Albion, NY, Anne (Bruce) Beaty of Greenwich, CT. Survivors also include her Brother-in-law, George P. Sperry of Dayton, OH; Nephews Henry (Karen) B. Sperry of Centerville, OH; Robert G. Sperry of LaConnor, WA; John P. Sperry of Miamisburg, OH; Grand-nieces Rachel M. Sperry, Jennifer J. Sperry, Alexandria R. Sperry, Emma K. Sperry, grand-nephew Joseph H. Sperry; Cousins Roberta S. Schweiger of Denver, CO; Anne A. Sperry of Akron, OH; Avalon Hill of Long Beach, CA; Cheryl Walker of Titusville, PA and many more distant relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family would also like to recognize several individuals whose devoted attention to Jean allowed her to enjoy a quality of life in her final years. Those people include Sharon Upchurch, Carol Mathieson, Patti Meldrum, Genny Tarpein and the staff at the Lewis County Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Merillat Chapel on Culver Stockton College campus with Reverend Mandy Gosik officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2015 from 4 until 8 p.m. with family present after 6 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home in Canton and also again from 10 until 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Merillat Chapel.

Pallbearers will be: James Upchurch, Dan Kelly, Charles Brennan, Robert Sperry, John Sperry and Joseph Sperry.

Burial will be in Forest Grove Cemetery in Canton.

Memorials may be made to Culver-Stockton College or to the Quincy Unitarian Church in care of Davis Funeral Home, Canton, MO.

Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com.