Jean L. (Leach) Behr

Jean L. Behr, age 86, died Saturday afternoon at her residence in Jefferson.

She was born November 2, 1933 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Arthur & Marie (Wallace) Leach.  She was the youngest of five children.   Jean was a resident of Jefferson for 37 years.  She graduated from Wayne State University and taught English and reading at the Ashtabula Co. Vo-Ed, retiring in 1994. She and her husband served the Church of the Nazarene as Ministers of Music for 45 years.

Jean was a member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church where she sang in the chancel choir.  She enjoyed flower gardening, baking Christmas cookies, playing tennis, reading, singing, playing the piano, and preparing “Sunday Dinner” for her family.  Jean was patient and longsuffering, rarely, if ever raising her voice.  Her favorite holiday was Christmas because it brought her family together. 

Survivors include two children, Carolyn (Linc) Jerome of Jefferson & Daniel (Coralee) Behr of Vicksburg, MI and five grandchildren, Aaron Behr of Vicksburg, MI, Andrew (Lydia) Behr of East Liverpool, Adam (Danae’) Behr of Uniontown and Grace & Zane Jerome of Jefferson.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and three brothers, her husband of 66 years, Edward Lloyd Behr, and her grand-daughter Carmen Jerome.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson with Rev. Douglas Winner of the church officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10-11AM prior to the service.  Masks and social distancing guidelines are required.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Jefferson United Methodist Church Chancel Choir (above address), envelopes will also be available Saturday at the services.

The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva is honored to serve the Jean Behr family.  To view obituary, express condolences or light a candle, visit fleming-billman.com.

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