Jean Carmean
O Fallon | Save
Rev. Jean M. Carmean, 81, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away at 6:45 P.M. Monday, September 15, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
She was born May 17, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana to Charles I. Smedley and Norma Augusta Hall Schultz, and they preceded her in death.
Surviving is her brother, Charles J. (Cheri) Smedley of Fredericksburg, TX; one son, Todd (Jennifer) Carmean of Peoria, IL; one daughter, Kimberly (Don) Cooley of East Peoria, IL; her grandchildren, Steven, Nicholas, Joseph, Paige & Chloe all of Peoria; two great-grandchildren; two nephews and a niece.
She graduated from Beardstown High School, Beardstown, IL in 1962. After high school, she attended Western Illinois University where she majored in speech and dramatic art, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree on June 1, 1968.
In May of 1986, Rev. Jean M. Carmean was ordained in the United Church of Christ, receiving her Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Grove, Missouri. Her 32 years of faithful ministry took her throughout the Midwest as an interim minister, helping churches in transition. As Pastor and Teacher, Pastor Jean was dedicated to all God’s children, mission work and the continuous study of the Bible. She was a strong advocate for justice and peace in word and action.
Jean loved being outdoors. Whether it was a trip to the Butterfly House or the Zoo in St. Louis, bird watching, gardening, a simple walk in the park or the giving of her time at community gardens, she always marveled at the wonderful creations that God has given us. She cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren and was blessed with a supportive group of friends she met at Eden.
A private family/friend Celebration of Life will be held in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eden Theological Seminary; https://www.eden.edu/donation-form/, or Heifer International; https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
Schildknecht Funeral Home
