Obituary of Jeanne Claire Thompson Soule

JEANNE CLAIRE (THOMPSON) SOULE, aged 80, was called home to glory on December 22, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Jeanne was born on October 30, 1944, to the late Clifford and Agnes (Brinkman) Thompson; the third of five children. Family meant the world to her and she wore the title of daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma/mema and aunt proudly. In fact she was known colloquially as “Aunt Jeanne” to many children growing up in the Jewett area over the years. She is survived by her three sisters: Barbara Andrus; Elizabeth Holdridge; and Peggy Rappleyea; and sister-in-law, Pamela Thompson & Dorothy (Soule) Giordano. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Thompson and her loving husband, Clarence Soule. Jeanne & Clarence were childhood sweethearts and married on November 3, 1962; together they had 4 children: Sarah Mader; Yvonne (Kevin) Mead; Clifford (Maureen) Soule and Jessica (Jim) Franz; as well as 2 bonus children: Carolyn (Phil) Butt and Wesley (Becky) Benson. Their family circle continued to grow with grandchildren: Dane Swann; Tonya (Thomas) Weber; Dillon (Elizabeth) Mader; Veronica Underwood; Kevin (Sue) Mead; Miranda (Michael) Mead; Ariana and Kyle Creech; and Haley Benson; and great grandchildren: Shaun; Gerald; Jacob; Jackson; DeAnna; Taylor; sadly, predeceased by Kaiden and Johnathan.

Jeanne and Clarence served as the inseparable dynamic duo as pillars of the mountaintop community. She was a disciple of Jesus and loved to share the good news. Her life verse was Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” and did it ever through her warm smile, laughter and a heart to help anywhere and everywhere she could. She was always concerned for the welfare of others above herself and gave of herself tirelessly and unselfishly. While being a member of the Jewett Presbyterian Church for most of her life, she loved to teach about Jesus in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and serve on the Ladies Aid Committee. She taught Junior Grange. She was one of the first female members of the Jewett Fire Dept., and a charter member of the Jewett Rescue Squad; serving as an EMT, and Ladies Auxiliary member for many years. She didn't love politics but stood up for what she felt was right which resulted in her being a member of the Jewett Democratic Committee, WAJ school board, and serving as a poll worker. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was also in charge of the Jewett Food pantry. She and Clarence were NYS and Greene County Senior Citizens of the Year in 2005. A life lived in service to others. A true gem!

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 29th from 1-3 PM at the Jewett Presbyterian Church, on Rte 17, Jewett, NY; with the funeral service at 3pm. Dinner and fellowship will immediately follow at the church hall after. Interment will be at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, she would be honored to have a donation made to your favourite charity or one of hers.