Jean Howard Sheets

Jean Howard Sheets passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Oklahoma City home on February 26, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on October 29, 1929, in Brownsville, Texas, to Myrtle Emilia and Revilla Duff Howard, Jean cherished her childhood alongside brothers R.D. and Edward Howard. Despite her father's passing in 1934, her widowed mother provided a stable and happy upbringing. After graduating from high school, Jean pursued a degree in business at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, where she became a member of Alpha Delta Pi. Following college, she briefly worked as a flight attendant for Pan Am Airways before settling in Enid, Oklahoma. It was there that she met William Thomas Sheets on a blind date, a meeting that changed her life forever. They married within six months and shared 63 years of happiness until William's passing in 2017. Together, they raised their children, Howard, Diane, and Susan, in Duncan, OK, where they were active in their community and the First United Methodist Church. Jean was known for her culinary skills, particularly her cinnamon rolls, and handmade baby quilts. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, square dancing and pursuing Jean's passion for genealogy. In 2013 they moved to Oklahoma City to be closer to family. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Hal Barrett, her brother Edward and step-brother, Bill Barrett. She is survived by her brother, RD Howard (Joyce), Katy, TX, sister-in-law Barbara Howard, Galveston, TX, step-sisters Betty Hakes, San Antonio,TX, and Kathy Barrett, Sachse, TX. Her son, Howard Sheets (Desiree Hubner), Iowa Park, TX, daughters Diane Cooke (Robert), Oklahoma City, OK, and Susan Brown (Wayne), Ardmore, OK. Grandchildren, Brandy Williams (Matt), Chad Brown (Sara), Amber Matlack (Ryan), Everette Cooke (fiancée Nicole Moffatt), Jeff Cooke (Kaity Vowels), Tommy Cooke (Molly), Emily Richardson (John). Great grandchildren, Hannah, Bowdy and Addyson Williams, Kate and Ally Brown, Ava, Ren, Rowan and Josephine Matlack, Mara and Val Cooke, and Oscar Cooke. Jean leaves a legacy of warmth, kindness and love. She exemplified a life well-lived.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 3pm at Smith Kernke Funeral Home,14624 May Ave.