Jean M. Pound

Although her life was filled with numerous enriching experiences, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Jean Pound that the family she loved more than life itself. She was outgoing and genuine, kindhearted, and described as a classy lady. Jean treasured her roles as both a wife and mother, however, it was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother that she considered to be her greatest gift. She was never one to let life pass her by, remaining active well into her eighties, and her zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Always eager to learn new things, Jean was forever looking for ways to grow along with the times. Life will never be the same without Jean here, but her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

It was great to be an American during the 1920s as innovation was taking us places that we had never been. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound, radios brought us sports, entertainment, and our news of the day, and Broadway was at an all time peak. Amidst this exciting time, Hazen and Hyla (Slough) Mandigo were experiencing some excitement in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1927. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Jean Maria drew her first breath on July 5th. She was the oldest of three children and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Tom and Janet. In many ways, Jean was a young girl of her generation. She had some goats and a talking crow as pets and attended local schools. Jean went on to graduate from Kalamazoo Central High School.

New and exciting changes were store for Jean when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Guy Douglas Pound Jr. and sparks flew right from the start. Soon, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Jean and Doug were married on June 14, 1947, not long after Doug had returned from serving during WWII. They built a home on Milham Road, and it was there that they raised their three children, Guy Douglas Pound III, Deborah, and Dennis. The Pound family later moved to a big farm in Vicksburg where Jean had over 90 chickens at one time. They also had horses, cows, rabbits, and numerous barn cats and dogs. Jean loved being there to care for her family, and the farm kept her busy with the strawberry and raspberry patches as well as the fishing pond on the property. Her skills in the kitchen were fantastic, and she could often be found cooking up casseroles or baking pies and strawberry shortcakes. Anyone who stopped by Jean’s never left hungry no matter how long they were there. Jean enjoyed spending time out in her gardens, and people often stopped to compliment her on her flowers.

All who knew Jean would agree that she was one of the most resourceful people around. She was always looking to learn new things, and she wasn’t afraid to think outside of the box. Jean’s children credit her for being healthy and organic before doing so was popular. She had a book full of natural remedies, and she always tried them before taking a child to the doctor. Jean was also a believer in getting the proper vitamins and minerals and was called the “herbal medicine woman” by her family. She was musically gifted and could play the organ and sing. In fact, Jean was even on the radio singing when she was a small child. Jean sang to her children all the time when they were growing up, and when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along she shared with them her love of music and movies by watching musicals with them. The Sound of Music and anything with Fred Astaire and Shirley Temple were favorites. Just one month before she died Jean danced the night away at her granddaughter’s wedding.

Throughout her life Jean was a woman of many interests. She combined her love for learning with her love for reading and took various courses that allowed her to learn just as if she were in the classroom. Jean never missed sending out a card to her grandchildren or great-grandchildren for holidays or special occasions. She also enjoyed selecting gifts for her children and frequently found them unique things on QVC, which was one of her favorite ways to shop. In fact, Jean shopped so much that her UPS man became a friend who even helped her place a large area rug that she had delivered! For years they camped in the Airstream trailer and went boating, and Jean was a hospital volunteer at Franklin Hospital in Vicksburg for over 12 years. For years she wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida. Fearless and adventurous, Jean was still hitching a ride on the back of a motorcycle that was driven by her sons when she was in her eighties! In addition, she was known to still hoist a shotgun up to her shoulder to take out the woodchucks that were trying to mess with the foundation of her barn during her sunset years. Jean had an extensive doll collection, and she also collected sheep as she always said, “We are all sheep following Jesus.”

With unending love and acceptance for others, Jean Pound was a blessing in the lives of everyone she met. With her keen sense of humor, she loved to share a laugh with everyone and be silly with her family. A more devoted wife, mother, and grandmother would be hard to find, and when great-grandchildren arrived Jean couldn’t have been happier. She will never be forgotten.

Jean (Mandigo) Pound died on May 28, 2015. Jean’s family includes her children, Guy Douglas (Harriet) Pound III, Deborah (Robert) Dornbos and Dennis (Diane) Pound; grandchildren, Kory (Dan) Switzer, Adam (Kelli) Pound, Lee Pound, Matthew (Kim) Crouch, Anna (Harry) Conner, Kimberly Pound and Jay Pound; great-grandchildren, Hazen, Abraham, Eli, Leeah, Lily, Cooper & Farrah; brother, Tom (Sherrie) Mandigo; sister, Janet (Ken) Bertolissi as well as many other relatives. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Doug in 1992, and her grandson, Josh in 1995. Visitation will be held on Saturday June 6, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Country Christian Evangelical Free Church; 9286 S. 36th Street, Scotts where a funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in Boughton Cemetery. Visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a message and sign her guestbook. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements handled by Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600).