Jean Firkins Easter

Jean Easter, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was called home on May 25, 2016 surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO, 64055. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the chapel. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Jean was born on November 4, 1928 in Independence, MO to Howard and Stella Kissee. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1945. After graduation, she worked for the Kansas City Public Service Company. She married Lee H. Firkins on May 18, 1947. She worked for the Kansas City School District and was with them for 32 years. After retiring from the school district, she worked for H & R Block from 1997 until 2004. She married Finis C. Easter on August 2, 2003. Jean enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling the world and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Rockwood Baptist Church and Noland Road Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School classes and vacation bible school for more than 40 years. When her children were of school age, she served as PTA president. Jean will be remembered by her daughter Jannie Powell and husband Robert of Independence, MO; two sons Doug Firkins and partner Vincent Bartz of Palm Springs, CA, Darrel Firkins and wife Gayle of Independence, MO; daughter Sarah Stegeman of Lees Summit, MO; grandchildren Adam Powell, Erica Smith, Angie Chatfield, Matthew Perdue, Abby Stegeman and Madison Stegeman; great grandchildren Jackson, Carter, Mason, Kennedy, and Frankie; 5 step children; 7 step grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; siblings Virginia Stone, Jeanette Kissee, Doris Finkelstein, Jack Kissee, and Delaine Kelsey. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.