Mrs. Jeanne St. Julian

Mrs. Jeanne St. Julian, 89, of Peoria, IL, transitioned to her heavenly home at 3:02 am on Monday, September 25, 2023 at Carle Health Proctor Hospital. Jeanne was born on May 28, 1934 in Austin, TX to Rev. Benjamin and Lillian (Graves) Wood and raised in the Church of God in Christ where her father served as a reverend. Jeanne received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria. She also completed postgraduate hours at the University of Illinois, Western Illinois University, and Illinois State University. While an undergraduate student, Jeanne became a member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and continued as a member for 68 years, until her death. Jeanne was an educator who devoted much of her career to the Peoria Public Schools, District 150 where she worked as a guidance counselor at Richwoods High School, an elementary teacher at Lincoln, White and Webster Schools, and a home counselor at Irving and Lincoln Schools. Prior to becoming an educator, she worked as a Children's Librarian at the Peoria Public Library, a service representative at Illinois Bell Telephone Company and a counselor for the Neighborhood Youth Corps Summer Programs. After retirement, Jeanne worked as a study hall supervisor at Manual and Richwoods High Schools. Jeanne’s love and concern for children and the Peoria community in general are evidenced by her efforts to make a difference in the lives of those she touched. She served on the Catholic Interracial Council, the Urban League Guild, the Urban League's Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors of Women's Strength, and the Board of Directors of George Washington Carver Community Center. She was an NAACP Life Member and a member of the State of Illinois Right-to-Read Program. Jeanne’s extensive community service led to her induction into the African American Hall of Fame-Downstate Illinois. Jeanne was known for her creativity and exquisite sense of style. She was an excellent seamstress. Her sense of fashion led her to have an extensive yet tasteful wardrobe and jewelry collection. Jeanne’s love of interior design gave birth to beautiful home décor. She was an avid crafter who loved bling. She was also a world-class shopper who could ferret out the best quality items for the least expense. Jeanne’s talents extended to acting and public speaking. She began acting in plays as a high school student and continued through college and beyond. As a young woman, she participated in the Texas State Ms. Bronze Pageant, placing third. She was also her high school and college homecoming queen. For many years, Jeanne was the mistress of ceremonies for Peoria’s annual debutant ball. Jeanne married the love of her life, Grant St. Julian, Jr., on December 26, 1955 in Beaumont, TX. They lived a beautiful life together which included their three children, Grant III, an attorney in Dallas, Texas; Andrea Renee, an attorney in San Diego, California; and Tanya Suzanne, a training and development professional in Kansas City, Missouri. Jeanne met Grant at Huston-Tillotson College when the two were 19 and 22 years old respectively. Jeanne and Grant adored each other throughout their lives. In addition to being survived by her children, Jeanne is survived by her daughter-in-law, Judy St. Julian, her son-in-law, Michael Alexander, two grandchildren, Andrew (Paige) St. Julian and Stacie (Peter) Paciorek, five great grandchildren, and two brothers, James (Hannah) Wood and Michael Wood. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother, Benjamin Wood, Jr. and three sisters, Daisy Jackson, Marie Wood and Jackie Wood. Jeanne’s commitment to education and her community led her, along with her family, to create two local scholarships, the Peoria Tri-County Urban League's TSTM St. Julian Family Scholarship and the Illinois Central College Grant St. Julian "Keep Jazz Alive!" Scholarship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either scholarship. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church where Jeanne has been a faithful member for over 30 years. Bishop Joseph Johnson will officiate. The visitation will begin immediately before the service at 9 am. The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will render their Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony at 10:30 am CST. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the family requests that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them).

Tributes

Mrs. Jeanne St. Julian

May 28, 1934 - September 25, 2023