Wilma Jean McMichael, 92, formerly of Peoria, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.
Jean was born on January 7, 1932 in Mercer County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Cluster and Helen (Newton) Lentz. She married John McMichael in 1950. Together they had two children and celebrated 29 years of marriage. Surviving Jean are her children, Colleen (Rick) Destree of Blairsville, Georgia and Dennis (Tina) McMichael of New Tazwell, Tennessee; sisters, Lavonne (Jan) Ramp of Henderson and Cheryl Lasley of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Rick (Kimberly) Destree, Josh (Rachel) Destree, Kelsey (Henry) Tippie, Jason (Summer) McMichael, Jennifer Otey and Sarah (David) Bohm; many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lawrence Lentz, Louis Lentz and Wilbur Lentz, and brother-in-law, Ivan “Ike” Lasley.
Jean was a 1950 graduate of Galesburg High School. She worked as a secretary for a bank president and later for Grace Presbyterian Church for over 25 years, retiring in 2008. She loved crafting, especially crocheting and plastic canvas, and cats. She also enjoyed playing cards with the girls in different card clubs. Most of all, Jean loved spending time with her family.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial will be 2:00 PM, Sunday February 18, 2024 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
