Jeannette Spinney Stuart

Jeannette Spinney Stuart (96) died on April 6, 2025 from complications of Alzheimer’s in Penney Farms, FL. She was born on January 22, 1929 to Herman and Sara (Longley) Spinney in Holliston, MA.

Jeannette is survived by her children, Charles (Mary) Stuart of Denver, CO, Jeanne (Jon) Krug of Olathe, KS, Glen (Susan) Stuart of West Chester, PA, and Patricia (Bruce) Jacobs of Rochester Hills, MI; nine grandchildren, Colleen McSherry, Melanie (Rick) Siders, Jennifer (Nathan) Prichard, CJ (Mallory) Krug, David (Megann) Stuart, Seth (Samantha) Krug, Andrew (Rachael) Stuart, Hannah Jacobs (Jordan Saunders), and Hope Jacobs; 13 great grandchildren, Anna, Addison, Thomas, Adam, Rory, Dillon, Evan, Ryan, Elliott, Jack, Andi, Matthew, and Galen; her sister Muriel Burditt; her sister-in-law Carol R. Spinney; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Stuart, parents, and five siblings (Elizabeth, Douglas, Phyllis, Herman, and Willard).

Jeannette married her loving partner Charles Stuart on August 1, 1952 at Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Worcester, MA. Jeannette earned her BA in Greek from Gordon College (1952).

Jeannette and Charles served two terms as teacher missionaries in what is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. Upon returning to the States, Jeannette initially focused on raising their four children while also typing Charles’ doctoral thesis. From 1973 until 1986 Jeannette served as President of White Cross as the Associate Director of the Public Relations Division of International Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). She also operated a Bed and Breakfast out of their home for ten years using her deep gift of hospitality. In 1998, Charles and Jeannette moved to Penney Retirement Community (PRC) in Penney Farms, FL.

Jeannette was a member of the Baptist Church of West Chester (BCWC) and served in many capacities over 30 years including as a Deacon, Christian Education Board member, and Adult Education teacher. She also sang in the BCWC choir for many years. At PRC she actively led a fitness class until her mid 80s and volunteered in numerous other capacities. She was an associate member of Penney Memorial Church.

Jeannette’s life was centered on her faith in Christ and her beloved family. She loved her early morning walks with Charlie, cooking, chatting on the phone with friends and family, annual summer trips to New England and Nova Scotia, painting, and games. She was a friendly, energetic, kind, and competitive woman who was intent on ensuring everyone knew they mattered.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at BCWC on July 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. (with visitation at BCWC from 10-11 a.m.). Private inurnment will be held in Chegoggin, Nova Scotia in 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ABCUSA White Cross https://internationalministries.org/white-cross/ or The Charles and Jeannette Stuart Scholarship, Baptist Church of West Chester, 221 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19382 https://bcwc.churchcenter.com/giving (designate Scholarship).