Jeanette Barrett

Jeanette Barrett of Hamilton, just weeks before her 82nd birthday, has now arrived safely at her desired destination -- her Heavenly home. Surrounded by angels and loved ones she completed her journey on Wednesday, June 20. Jeanette may have had heart failure on earth, but now she is singing and making melody in her heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). Born Dorothy Jeanette Smith on July 13, 1930, in Hamilton, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ida (Evans) Smith. Along with her lifelong best friend, Imogene (Willis) Bowling, Jeanette was a graduate of Hamilton High School Class of 1948, where she played drums in the "Big Blue" marching band. On January 20, 1951, Jeanette married Lester Barrett who told her the first night they met "you don’t know this yet, but I’m going to marry you". She will be greatly missed by her three daughters: Barbara (Lester) Williams, Linda Barrett, and Leslie (Earl) Fields, all of Hamilton. Jeanette also had seven loving grandchildren: Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Williams; John Williams; Nathan, Nicholas, Emily, Micah, and Logan Fields. She will also be missed by her "grandkitty", Markie. Jeanette will especially be missed by Linda Barrett and Debbie Brown, her caregivers, with whom she shared a home for eleven years.

Jeanette’s life was focused on her faith, family, and friends. She began playing piano as a teenager and was the church pianist for 42 years (1945 – 1987) at Hamilton Christian Center. Jeanette was known as a Bible scholar and taught Sunday School for 40 years (1959 – 1999). During a period of extended illness, Jeanette became unable to enjoy social outings and attend church services. She encouraged herself in the Lord through music, prayer, and scripture memorization. She especially loved to quote the Beatitudes (Matthew Chapter 5), Psalms 1 and Psalms 23. During many trips to the hospital over the last decade, Jeanette would often be observed mouthing the words to her favorite passages ministering to herself, her family, and healthcare professionals. Many ministers, missionaries, loved ones, and friends were strengthened through her nightly prayers and monthly support. Jeanette was also known for her sense of fashion, musical ability, and sense of humor. But, most of all, she wanted to be known for "being a good Christian". Lester and Jeanette’s home was always an embracing and welcoming place. Jeanette was affectionately called by many terms of endearment including JB, Big J., Momma J, Gramma, Madre, Ma, and Baby. In heart, she was like a mother to many people, especially Debbie Brown, Barbara Ann Brown, Rachel Wright, and Glenda Fields. Jeanette is survived by her brother, Donald Gene (Glenna) Smith, and Sisters-in-Law, Carolyn (Carl) Tepker, June Smith, and Gladys Bowling DeZarn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, in 1996, and by 3 brothers, (James) Russell, Alvin, and Ralph Smith. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Kathleen Alter, Dr. Lester Suna, and the nurses of the Mercy Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center in Fairfield for their many years of professional and compassionate care. Additionally, appreciation is expressed to the Hospice of Hamilton, in particular Nurse Virginia. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 24, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Christian Center, 1940 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio. A "Homegoing Celebration" church service will also be held at the church on Monday, June 25 at 10 a.m. officiated by Pastor Johnny Wade Sloan and Rev. Bobby Mills. The family will be served by Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, and her resting place on earth will be at the Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers the family suggests charitable contributions to Operation Serve International (Dr. Sameh & Connie Sadik), Crosspointe International (Rev. Bobby & Wanda Mills), Sunshine Acres Children’s Home (Rev. Sean & Michelle Sloan), and Missionary Ronda Sponseller, all care of Hamilton Christian Center. May Jeanette’s love for the spreading of the gospel be continued through the increased support of others. 1 Peter 5:10: "The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will Himself restore you…..".