Jean Lees Memorial Scholarship to Be Granted to Romeoville Seniors

Jean Lees was an upstanding member of the Romeoville community for over 30 years. A large part of her time was spent helping those in need, particularly through the Shepherd’s Food Pantry, a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Miss Jean passed away last year after a long, hard battle against cancer. Even in her darkest, most difficult moments, however, Miss Jean, as she was known to those outside her family, held on to her faith, her love of family and friends, and her service to others.

In an effort to try to find a way to continue her life’s work of helping others, the people of Good Shepherd, with the help of Miss Jean’s children, Robert Lees and Elizabeth Warwick, established a Scholarship Fund in her memory.

As Rev. Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle, Pastor of Good Shepherd, said, “We wanted a way to carry on the legacy of Miss Jean. Though Miss Jean helped start our food pantry, her life of service went well beyond offering physical food to people. She helped fill the emotional and spiritual hunger of those she met; she was never afraid to talk about her relationship with God and always brought a smile to everyone she served.”

Rev. Anderson-Hurdle had the privilege of knowing Miss Jean for over 17 years,including several years before she came to pastor Good Shepherd. “Miss Jean and her husband, Albert, were servants of the Lord in the most powerful way – theydidn’t seek recognition for what they did, they just did what they did because they loved the Lord and they loved serving Him and their church.” If someone came to visit the pantry in its early days, they might remember the small closet filled to overflowing with canned goods, paper products, and more. They might remember how Miss Jean lovingly boxed up food for them, filling the boxes with little extras like candy bars for children or special desserts for the adults.

The Shepherd’s Food Pantry continues to serve the hungry people of Romeoville today, making sure that part of Miss Jean’s legacy continues. “She was so pleased to see the new space (at United Presbyterian Church) that God had blessed the pantry with and knew, even though she might not be able to serve there long, that it would continue to be a place of blessing for many people for years to come,” said Pastor Suzanne.

Miss Jean was proud of the service that Teresa Linaweaver, Kim Hanahan, Jackie Esquivel, Lori Rodriguez Jones, and other volunteers continued to do in the new space. She was hopeful that the connection between Good Shepherd and United Presbyterian would enhance the ministry of the pantry, including its outreach to the community in the name of Jesus.

“What Miss Jean wanted most, I think, was for people who didn’t know Jesus to come to know Him, not because of what she said,necessarily, but because of what she did, how she served. She always pointed people to our church, yes, but more importantly she pointed them to God. Many, many times, she and I would find ourselves praying with a family in the fellowship hall of our old building,” said Pastor Suzanne.

Thanks to the generosity of those who knew and loved Miss Jean, Good Shepherd Church is now able to offer a scholarship in her honor. One male and one female senior student Romeoville High School will be given a $250 scholarship. Those applying for this scholarship should demonstrate “above and beyond” dedication to the community through service to those in need. Please note that those applying should show ongoing service throughout many years, not just their senior year.

For more information or to receive an application and guidelines, please contact Pastor Suzanne at the church office at 815-886-4354 or through email atrevhurdle@sbcglobal.net. Please note that the deadline for applying is Friday, May 3. Winners will be announced at the Awards Assembly on Thursday, May 16 at Romeoville High School.

The lyrics to one of Miss Jean’s favorite hymns, “Go, My Children,” really sums up how she looked at her faith and her service in life: “Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me; grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free. Here my Spirit's power filled you; here His tender comfort stilled you. Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.” “Our hope is that the students who both apply for and receive this scholarship will carry with them the legacy and love of serving that Miss Jean demonstrated to all who had the privilege of knowing her and serving alongside her,” said Pastor Suzanne. What a legacy to carry on!

To contribute to this scholarship fund, please send your tax-deductible donation to the “Jean Lees Memorial Scholarship” care of Good Shepherd Church, 25 Alexander Circle, Romeoville, IL, 60446.

Editor's note: This article was submitted by Rev. Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle.