Jean Lesley Sargent

Jean Lesley Sargent, 93, of Kirksville, IL, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, on the 3rd of March 2024 in Franklin, TN

Jean, (nee Beverly Jean Lesley), was born in Bethany, IL to Grace Davis and Daniel Lesley on June 30, 1930.   He/she went to school in Sullivan, IL.   She married, but later divorced, Philbrook F. Sargent on August 28, 1960, in Chattanooga, TN. She completed some business college at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (then, University of Chattanooga).  

Jean worked until she had her children, then dedicated her life to life to being a wife and a mom. Her greatest loves were her children, Nikkie Sargent Flowers and Kristina L. Sargent, and grandchildren, Kallan and Cooper Anderson and Claire A. Flowers. Jean always wanted to help with anything. She started Newcomer’s Clubs and Welcome Wagon in communities when the family would move, which was frequent as Phil, her husband at the time, worked in the defense industry.  She was actively involved at the Christ Church in Oak Brook, IL, for many years.

She always held a special spot in her heart for her brother, Lloyd Lesley, who was killed in World War Two, in Okinawa.  She would speak often and fondly of her mom, Grace Vivian Lesley, and dad, Daniel Lesley; and about growing up in their grocery store, in Kirksville, and on their farm in Findlay, IL. Later in life, Jean sold real estate and was one of the original salespeople at The Villages, near Ocala, FL.  

Jean is survived by her former spouse, Philbrook F. Sargent, her Children, Kristina L. Sargent(Kris) and Nikkie Sargent Flowers, and her grandchildren, Kallan I. Anderson, Cooper P. Anderson, and Claire A. Flowers.

Visitation (10am-noon) and short memorial service (Noon-12:30) will be  Saturday, March 9th, 2024 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Franklin, TN..

Burial will follow on March 18 at Findlay Cemetery, Findlay, IL. Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Lockhart-Green Funeral Home are making the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send your contribution to The Village at Church of the City. (https://cotc.com/village/) The Village will equip and provide resources for mental health, single parents, foster families, and those aging out of the foster care system.

The family of Jean wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Hakemian, Webb, Kahn, Allen, and Gurusamy, the nurses of the 6th floor at Williamson Medical, NHC Cool Springs, and Aveanna Health Care. We also thank the current women of the Kerygma Cohort at Denver Seminary, the Alpha leadership team, everyone at Church of the City, and all the friends for your love, support and prayers during the last five months, especially.