Jeanne Poe

Alice "Jeanne" Poe, 79, slipped peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast, surrounded by her family.

Jeanne was born Dec. 9, 1944, in Bonne Terre to Lemro Frederick and Theresa Elizabeth Axtetter Hale. She lived in Bonne Terre until her family relocated to Cape Girardeau, where her parents established Hale’s Fine Jewelry. She loved to talk of spending time on her grandparents' farm in Festus.

She graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

On Aug. 17, 1963, she married David "Pete" Poe from Jackson at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the Marquette Hotel, now the Top of the Marq. In 2023, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Their early years of marriage were spent relocating with Pete’s job. They lived seven places before returning to Cape Girardeau in 1973.

Throughout her life, Jeanne enjoyed volunteering. She volunteered for her children’s schools in whatever capacity needed, as well as taking the role as "cookie mom" for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

Jeanne returned to her family business, Hale’s Fine Jewelry, and Hale’s Casual Corner. She guided many bride "elects" in their bridal registry selections. She remembered her brides, as well as their china.

Jeanne volunteered at Southeast Hospital for 30 years. She enjoyed her time with the auxiliary, from poinsettia sales and book sales, taking baby photos, working the surgery waiting room, taking a shift at the entrance gate at the SEMO District Fair and her Wednesday afternoons at the lobby desk. She delivered Meals on Wheels. She also volunteered at Birthright. Her most recent project was to knit baby booties for newborns. She loved to knit, crochet and weave, a hobby she enjoyed with her sister, Mary.

Cherishing her memory are her husband, Pete, and their children, Tammy Bohnert, David (Adrienne) Poe and Kimberly Poe; grandchildren, Haley Bohnert (Tony) Spencer, Brooke Bohnert (Alex) Heuring, Perri Poe and Ava Poe; great-grandchildren, Lottie and Glavin Spencer and Hollis Heuring; sister, Mary (David) Hardy; brother, Larry (Shelly) Hale; sisters-in-law, Betty Henry and Emily (Jerry) Collins; and many cousins, nieces and nephews

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Pete and Marjorie Poe; brothers, Ron and Joe Hale; brother-in-law, Harley Henry; nephew, Jeff Henry; and her beloved son-in-law, Jeff Bohnert.

A special thank you to the ICU staff at Mercy Hospital Southeast for its care and compassion. Dr. Bryan Beck and April Craig, we are forever grateful. “All things run through Dr. Beck."

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the funeral home, with Deacon Tom Schumer officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions to Birthright are appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.