Mary Jean Erekson

Mary Jean Erekson was born January 2, 1960 in Provo, Utah. She was born to Jonas Henry Erekson and Rela Armstrong Erekson. Mary Jean went by the nickname Jeanie most of her life. Jeanie was the 5th child and the youngest in the family. She was a cute bald baby at birth. She soon had a beautiful head of curly red hair and blue eyes. She was such a cute little girl. She caught the attention of others wherever she went because of her curly red hair. When Jeanie was 2 years old, she and her family moved to a new house in Salt Lake City, Utah. This move allowed her dad to be closer to his job at the Hercules plant. She and her sister had many fun days playing together. They were just a little over a year apart in age.

When Jeanie was 7 years old, she and her family made a major move to Overland Park, Kansas. It was a relocation move with Hercules.

While living in Overland Park, Kansas, there were many enjoyable experiences. Jeanie attended Pawnee Elementary, Comanche Elementary, Trailridge Jr. High, Milburn Jr. High and Shawnee Mission West High School all while living in Kansas.

It was during these years that Jeanie was able to attend the dedication for the memorial of the cornerstone of the Farr West Temple site, in Farr West, Missouri.The corner stones were originally set by the prophet Joseph Smith. Then she was able to attend the dedication of the Independence, Missouri Visitors Center. It was dedicated by the then prophet Joseph Fielding Smith. It was a great occasion for all those that attended. All witnessed the adversary and the hand of the Lord in a very real way. At these events there were many church leaders in attendance. Jeanie was delighted to be able to meet and shake hands with many of them.

At age 15, Jeanie tried out for and got the lead in a short lived pageant in Independence, Missouri. This pageant was held on the grounds of the Visitor's Center. This was a great experience for Jeanie. Also, in that same year, Jeanie was attending Milburn Junior High School. She tried out for the school drill team. She was accepted onto the team. She had a great year being involved in that group.

When Jeanie was sophomore in high school, she was attending Shawnee Mission West High School. In the middle of the year Jeanie and her family again made a major move because of a job change for her father. Jeanie, her sister and her parents moved to Ashland, Kentucky. This was a difficult move for the family. Jeanie had a difficult time enjoying living there. Jeanie did have many friends and many good opportunities while living in Ashland. Jeanie graduated from Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Kentucky.

After high school, Jeanie was accepted to Brigham Young University. Jeanie roomed in an apartment with her sister and many friends. Jeanie had many friends wherever she was. Jeanie had a vivacious personality. She was the life of the party. Jeanie's favorite color was always yellow.

Jeanie continued her education at Brigham Young University. In her Senior year of college at BYU she ran and was elected to be Vice President for Women. Jeanie organized and conducted one of the first women's conferences held there.

Jeanie graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's of Science Degree. Jeanie had various jobs in her career. She did Corporate Training in Human Resources. Her final job was 15 years in Administration at Webster University located in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the Director of the extended site at Hill Air Force Base. She enjoyed association with many colleagues at Webster University.

Jeanie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Jeanie enjoyed beautiful music. She participated in many choirs in her lifetime. She was always part of a school choir. Most recently, she enjoyed being a member of The Sterling Singers. Their mission was to sing songs that testify of Christ. Jeanie participated in that choir until her illness wouldn't allow her to do so any longer.

Jeanie loved learning. She attended BYU adult religion classes and BYU Education Week. Jeanie earned her Master's Degrees in Organizational Management and Human resources Development.

Jeanie also loved to travel. Her job took to many interesting places.

After suffering an autoimmune illness for many years, Jeanie passed to the spirit world early in the morning of January 16, 2023.

Jeanie is survived by her 4 siblings. Ranee Wheatley, Dennis Erekson (Kathy), Russell Erekson (Cindy), Evelyn Nelson (James), 24 nieces and nephews and many dear cousins and friends. Jeanie was blessed by many care workers and the kind care of her sister Ranee.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Goff Mortuary, located at 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah 84047. A luncheon will be held at Ranee's home. The address will be provided at the memorial service.