Jeannine M. Longjohn Obituary

A memorial will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., Kalamazoo, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with family will start at 10:30 a.m. with a service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon to follow at Zion.

Jeannine Longjohn passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with her daughters at her side. She lived an incredibly full 93 years. She loved to travel and was an avid Disney fan. She loved her church, Zion Lutheran, and was an active member until her passing. She was involved in her children's school functions. She was known as the 'gingerbread' lady and would make beautiful gingerbread houses for all the teachers and neighbors at Christmas. She loved to paint and was an accomplished artist. She also loved to sing and would sing at every opportunity and could turn any situation into a chance to make up a song. What will be most remembered about Jeannine was her capacity to love and make you feel loved. She loved with her whole heart and would never miss an opportunity to tell you what you meant to her. Jeannine Maude Sly was born in Boise, Idaho, on July 15, 1930, to Howard and Neva (Haynes) Sly. She moved to Kalamazoo with her mom, her sister, Ruth and brother Ed, to live with her grandparents after her father passed away. Jeannine graduated from Kalamazoo Central High in 1948. She was active in choir and was an accomplished artist. Jeannine married Gabriel Longjohn in 1948, when he returned from serving in WW2 and they welcomed seven children. She lived over 70 years on West Lake. She enjoyed painting, singing, Disney trips and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Jeannine was preceded in death by her husband, Gabriel;, her sons Mark, Brian, Keith and Bruce, and her grandson, Jordan. Surviving is her son, David (Cynthia) Longjohn, Susan Longjohn and Mary (Jeffrey) Jackson; many grandkids and great grand kids and great-great grand kids who she loved MORE, and would never let us forget it.