DELMAR- Beverly Jean Koebel Gardner was born in Berrien Springs, Michigan on September 4, 1929 to Elizabeth C. (Johnson) and George C. Koebel, Sr. She passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a long illness.
Jean graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1947. She attended the University of Michigan graduating from the School of Nursing in 1950. Jean then entered the U.S. Navy serving as a Navy nurse aboard the USS Haven during the Korean War. She and her husband Joe then settled in Jackson, Mississippi to raise a family. Jean earned her BSN degree from the University of Mississippi in Jackson.
Mom was a beloved mother, wife, sister and aunt. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph and her son, Charles. Mom is survived by her loving daughter Rebecca (Becky), brothers George and Jerry, and a sister Linda. She also has several nieces and nephews.
Jean was a loving mother to Charles and Becky. She worked as an ICU and CCU nurse at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS and Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Jean was a co-leader for Girl Scouts and also taught Red Cross classes for expectant mothers.
Mom was a devoted homemaker. She loved her family very much. She also enjoyed cheering each year for Michigan football. Mom also loved farming, the NY Yankees, writing letters, entering contests and volunteering for local politics. She helped with clothing donations to several charities for many years.
Private burial will take place in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Those who wish may send memorial donations to their university or college, or the American Red Cross.