Wilma Tranchell

Wilma “Jeanne” Ferguson was born October 20, 1929 in Tupelo, Arkansas. A handsome young man from Michigan grabbed her attention at a dance during the Korean War. He was a Yankee and was stationed in Memphis with the Navy. He captured her heart  and she and Russ were married in Memphis, Tennessee on April 9, 1954. Although Jeanne became a northerner soon after their wedding, she never lost that endearing southern accent.

Jeanne was a homemaker, but she was so much more. She helped raise four successful children. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She gave back to the community and was involved with the Methodist church woman’s circle in her earlier years. She fixed meals for others in the Gaines community when they were sick. She assisted our father with the Explorer’s Post, giving time to help teenagers in our community. She later went on to help the Flushing police as a part of citizen’s patrol and she especially loved her years as a hostess at Burger King where she brightened customers’ days and made many beautiful, lasting friendships.

A member of the Krapohl Senior Center, Jeanne enjoyed her reign as a Wii bowling champion and even had a 300 game under her belt. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, bingo, dominos, and spending time with family. She loved her family dearly, and with so many of them, that was a lot of love to go around!

Jeanne had a love for  fried chicken, family visits, long card games and chocolate mint ice cream. Her final days were spent savoring the ice cream and her final wishes included asking us to “eat ice cream and be happy”.

Jeanne is survived by her sister, Ms. Donald Patterson of Tuckerman, Arkansas, and her brother, Mr. Robert Ferguson of Cordova, Tennessee, as well as her 4 children: Steve Tranchell (Beverly) of Swartz Creek, MI; Debra Cannatti (Ronald) of Temperance, MI; Mary Tranchell (Tammy) of San Antonio, TX and Donielle Stassel (Frank) of Canton, MI. She also had a gaggle of grandchildren (8) and great-grandchildren (7).

Husband Russ, preceded her in death as well as Brother Walter (Sis), and Brother Forest (Marie). Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Services will be held  1PM Saturday November 5 at Sharp Funeral Homes Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek, Visitation will be 10:30AM until time of service on Saturday November 5.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ebeid Hospice Hospital, Sylvania, OH.