Blackburn, Clara Jean (Thoni) of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 27th, 2020 at the age of 75. Jean was born on January 28th, 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late William and Etta Maie (Biard) Thoni. Jean attended Murray State University and graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Jean earned her masters degree from St. Louis University.
Jean spent much of her career in public relations and as an Adjunct English Professor. Jean was an active member in the St. Louis Literary Club. Jean loved spending time with friends and family. She had a special art in the kitchen and she was always ready for a get together. Jean loved cooking, reading, flowers, dressing up, tea time, h’orderves, cocktails, fine arts, The St. Louis Art Museum, The St. Louis Botanical Gardens, and spending time with those she held close to her heart. Jean had a big heart and loved to do little gestures of kindness for others.
Jean is survived by one daughter, Margaret Anne Blackburn, of St. Charles, Missouri, one son, Eric Justin Blackburn, one granddaughter, Kaitlyn Marie Blackburn, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, one sister, Nanette Graddy, of Memphis, Tennessee, cousins Houston and Stolylen Priest of Georgia, and many other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to express thanks to The Visiting Nurses Association of Greater St. Louis, and Visit-A-Bit program, for pairing Jean with a great friend, Jennifer. Thank you to the many caregivers who helped Jean along the way, and a very special thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital of St. Louis for going above and beyond to make sure Jean had a positive environment and the best quality of life in her final days.
A celebration of life in honor of Jean will be held at a later date.
Contributions in Jean’s memory can be made to: Mercy Hospital of St. Louis: 14528 S Outer 40, Suite 100, Chesterfield, MO 63017; The Visiting Nurses Association of Greater St. Louis: 2029 Woodland Parkway, Suite 105, Maryland Heights, MO 63146, and/or St. Louis University English Department.
What a beautiful soul! She always made me smile. Caring for her was such an honor, I will never forget our TraderJoes trips and watching Dr. Phil episodes. She opened her heart to me and my children. They thought she was the coolest “2nd granny ” they had. My heart goes our to her family. You guys are in our prayers. She was such jewel. I will always hold her in my heart. May God be with you through these times. She’s always with you, and will be greatly missed! Be blessed….
We will always remember Jean as our grandma next door. My girls and I almost everyday used to visit her in the evening where she would play with my girls, read them Margaret’s story books and share her experiences with me. Our prayers are with her family. We will always remember her as a lady who taught us to be young at heart and be positive. Miss you Jean!