Jewell Jean Calmes (Dennison)'s Obituary
Jewell Jean Calmes (Dennison), age 94, formerly of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at home surrounded by family.
Jewell received three years advanced education from Western Kentucky State College (now Western Kentucky State University). She received a bachelor of science degree with honors in education, specializing in elementary education and home economics from Central State University. Jewell accomplished work towards a master’s degree in special education. Jewell started her teaching career in a two-room schoolhouse near her childhood home. She taught in Waynesville, Ohio, where she met her husband, moved and taught in Colorado, and then returned to Ohio to teach in Bowersville, Bellbrook, and Xenia City Schools. She was very loved by her students. Jewell was affiliated with the Hillsboro Church of Christ in Hillsboro, Ohio, and more recently attended the South Dayton Presbyterian Church with her family.
Family-oriented, giving, generous, kind, loving, forgiving, selfless, and charming, Jewell had an encouraging spirit and a loving heart. She especially loved to hold babies. Throughout her life, she enjoyed arts and crafts, decorating her home, caring for the backyard birds, and especially flower and vegetable gardening. She had the gift of hospitality. Green beans, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes were always in abundance from the garden. She was an amazing cook and will always be remembered for her fried chicken, spaghetti, cherry pie, and date nut cake.
Jewell had many traditions that she valued. Her most important priority was going to church and teaching others about the love of Christ. She wanted us to love each other and celebrate together. One of the special ways she showed her love and made us feel special was to decorate for holidays and set beautiful tables for family meals. One of her many love languages included good food. She wanted us to be together and eat together. Jewell loved Christmas and used the season as a reason to be abundantly generous.
Jewell was born December 15, 1929, to the late William Walker Dennison Sr. and Laura Belle (nee: Ward) Dennison in Paintsville, Kentucky. Jewell was preceded in death by her husband, George Calmes, whom she married in 1956. Also proceeded in death were her brothers Murmon N. Dennison and William Walker Dennison Jr.; her sisters Nancy Heines, Betty Krausman, Lorraine Jones, and Ellen Sego; and son-in-law James Kirkman.
Jewell is survived by her daughters Renee Calmes Kirkman and Janine Calmes Henry (Todd); grandchildren Laura Childs Nehlsen (Jack), Shannon Henry Frydryk (Tyler), Matthew Richard Henry (Ashley), and Amy Henry Acer (Clay); great-grandchildren Audrey, Elise, Simon, Vincent George, and Sebastian Nehlsen, Felicity and Deacon Frydryk, Hollis Henry, and Griffin and Sophia Acer; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was dearly loved by all.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, April 6, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. The family will receive friends from 10 AM to noon. A celebration of Jewell’s life will follow officiated by Pastor Mike Littell and Elder Jeff Jacobsen. A graveside service will follow at Miami Cemetery, Corwin, Ohio. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be expressed at www.connerandkoch.com.
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