Norma "Jean" Mikesell

Mikesell, Norma “Jean” -Age 80 died peacefully at her residence on Thursday, October 7, 2021, holding her daughter’s hand.

Visitation will be at Sharp’s Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd, on Tuesday, October 12, 5:00-8:00, and Wednesday October 13, 12:30-1:30.  We will celebrate Jean’s life at Sharp’s on Wednesday October 13 at 1:30, followed by burial at Tyrone Gardens, Fenton.  A luncheon will follow and will be announced. Those desiring may make contributions in Jean’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Flushing Christian Outreach Center.

Jean was born on January 19, 1941 in Detroit, the third daughter of Lane and Ruth Welshons. She was a Girl Scout all through school and continued as a leader before and after she had children. She was a graduate of Redford Union High School, and worked for Burroughs Corporation in Detroit, where she met the love of her life. Jean married Sam Mikesell on April 7, 1962. They loved each other, raised two children, and visited each of the 50 states in their RV. They were married for 52 years, parted by Sam’s death in 2014.
Jean was a homemaker while her children were young, and later worked at the Fenton VG’s in the bakery, where she enjoyed preparing cookies, donuts, cakes, and breads. Jean loved to cook for family and friends. She was the family scrapbook builder. She lovingly memorialized family events in these books which she thoroughly enjoyed making, and the recipients cherish. Jean will also be remembered as an avid game player: cards, board games, dominos, she loved them all.

Friends will remember Jean as one of the best friends they knew, as she was kind, loyal, supportive, and always ready to lend a hand. Jean was truly selfless and never spoke a harsh word to or about anyone. Jean had been an active member of the Loose Center when she lived in Fenton and the Carmen-Ainsworth Senior Center, when she lived in Flint. She also enjoyed volunteering her time at Adopt A Pet and assembling care packages for veterans.

Jean’s most beloved role was being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren.  She took great interest in her their sporting events and academic achievements, often being the biggest cheerleader and score keeper. Jean was a constant volunteer at the kid’s schools, even baking 150 dozen cookies for an annual fundraiser.  Being a grandmother was one of the great joys of her life and she was quite simply an expert. Every July 4th she and Sam parked their RV at Walden Woods and hosted their children, grandchildren, and friends for the whole week.  She will be missed by us all, as she was a large part of our lives.  Jean will always be remembered for her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. All who knew her loved her, and that is a life well-lived.

She is survived by her sister, Dolly Lehman, daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Tony Ellis, son David Mikesell, seven grandchildren:  Alaina Ellis, Logan Mikesell, Karynn Mikesell, Serena Ellis, Keegan Mikesell, Mia Ellis and Grayson Ellis, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lane and Ruth Welshons, beloved husband, Sam Mikesell, and sister Helen Wilson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Woodhaven, Homestead, Heart to Heart Hospice, Angel’s Touch and the Carmen-Ainsworth Senior Center for the kindness, care and comfort provided at the end of Jean’s life.  Greatest gratitude to Tiffany and Kristine from Heart to Heart, Robin from Angel’s Touch, and Pam from CASC.