Jeanice Thurston

With heavy hearts, we inform you all that Jeanice Jones Thurston, age 91, of McCook, NE passed away on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. She left this earth surrounded by angels and wrapped in the arms of God as she entered her eternal home. In Minden, NE on September 8th, 1932 Jeanice Ann Poffenbarger was born to parents James and Sylvia Poffenbarger. Unfortunately, Jeanice never had the opportunity to meet her father since he died on June 17th, 1932 from a work-related accident. She was loved and cared for by her mother and two older brothers. A move to Joplin, MO resulted in her mother remarrying and she was blessed with 5 younger siblings. Jeanices childhood and school years were spent in MO. As a young woman, Jeanice moved to Holdrege, NE with her 2 older brothers. It was here she met the love of her life at the local skating rink. A relationship bloomed and she married Blaine (Johnny) Jones on December 23, 1947 in Joplin, MO. To this union 3 daughters were born: Teresa Lea, Sherry Lynn and Debra Jean. Jeanice was a very loving and devoted mother. She worked diligently to meet her daughters needs, always before her own. She always inspired them to "be good people" and taught them to live with integrity and honesty. With humility, she modeled lending a helping hand to others in need and that nobody is better than anyone else. Jeanice was content with the simple pleasures of life and loved quietly and deeply. Jeanice was an active member of the First Baptist Church in McCook. She served on Womens Missions, planned many annual Mother-Daughter Teas, was Chairman of the funeral dinners, held office on the Deacons Board, taught Sunday School and VBS and was a choir member. She later attended the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook. Blessed with the spiritual gift of hospitality, Jeanice was a gracious hostess for family and friends during holidays, weddings, birthdays, graduation and other social gatherings. Bird watching, flower gardening, reading, traveling, calligraphy and flower arrangement and design brought her so much joy. Her favorite past time was spending time and attending activities of her grandchildren. After 48 years of marriage, Jeanice lost her husband, Johnny (Blaine), in November 1995. In 1997 she married once again to Burdell Thurston of McCook. She expanded her family with stepdaughters Janice Harris (Darwin), Barbara Thurston and grandson Michael Harris, all from Colorado. Because of health issues, Burdell passed away November 30, 2013. Others preceding Jeanice in death were parents, stepfather, father-in-law, mother-in-law, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 niece, 1 nephew and 1 brother-in-law. Jeanice is survived by her daughters, Terrie Guthrie (Ron) of Ogallala, NE, Sherry Spangler (Don) of Hayes, KS, and Debra Jones of Kearney, NE; grandchildren: Kim Cornaggia (Jess) of State College, PA, Jim Guthrie (Toni) of North Platte, NE, Lisa Ignoto (Jeremy) of Tecumseh, KS, Joseph Spangler (Erica) of Ransom, KS, Kelli Hernandez (George) of Garden City, KS; Rachelle Nelson (Scott) of Omaha, NE, Jonathan Wonderly of Kearney, NE and Jenn Wonderly of Kearney, NE; great-grandchildren: Dakota, Hailey and Allison Guthrie of North Platte, NE, Aislin Jackson and Veronica Ignoto of Tecumseh, KS, Kristen Griebel of Garden City, KS, Logan Wessel of Lincoln, NE, Grant Wessel of Omaha, NE, Kingsley Secka of Kearney, NE, Zyann and Aliana Ware of Kearney, NE, Terrance McDowell of Kearney, NE, Blaine & Jaelyn Spangler of Ransom, KS and great-great-granddaughter, Alani Nunez of Kearney, NE. Jeanices Family will honor her, "be good people" and carry her love with them always. Visitation will be held from 10AM-7PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Jeanice's family will be present to greet friends from 5-7PM. Funeral services are scheduled at 1:30PM on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services. A memorial has been established in Jeanice's name and may reach the family at: Terrie Guthrie.727 Elmwood Street, Ogallala, NE 69153. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Tuesday, February 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Ave McCook, NE 69001 Funeral Service Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, February 14, 2024 1:30 PM 607 Norris Ave McCook, NE 69001