Jennifer Pyatt

Jennifer Lynn Jones Pyatt, 64, of Eureka, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at St. Luke Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo.

Jennifer was a woman of tremendous grace, strength and beauty, whose devotion to her family and 44-year marriage was an inspiration to everyone. She could find the silver lining in all circumstances, a trait which helped many people work through life's greatest challenges. Her ability to see the good in others created friendships that lasted a lifetime. She had the heart of a servant, and her generosity and hospitality made friends feel like family.

Among Jennifer's many gifted talents were decorating, cooking, gardening, hosting bridal showers, weddings and countless holiday gatherings. Her greatest love of all was her grandchildren. Whether it was piano lessons or the special projects she planned, her grandchildren loved coming to her house.

Since her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2006, Jennifer remained steadfast in her Christian faith and maintained a positive outlook. Even during her final days, her smile would light up the room.

Jennifer was born July 16, 1946, to Benjamin Franklin and Helen Lee Jones. She grew up in Delta. The family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1960. Jennifer graduated from Central High School in 1964 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1970 with a degree in music education.

She and John Pyatt were married July 30, 1966, in Cape Girardeau.

Jennifer taught in the Mehlville, Parkway and St. Louis public school districts, as well as private voice and piano lessons. She was a member of Cape Choraliers, Sigma Alpha Iota and American Association of University Women.

She and her family attended Windsor Crossing Church in Chesterfield.

Survivors include her husband, John Pyatt of Eureka; three sons, John Benjamin and Karen Pyatt, Andrew and Renee Pyatt, Alexander Pyatt, all of Eureka; two brothers, Kenneth and Lelia Jones of Marquand, Mo., Stuart Frank and Gail Jones of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Cassandra "Susie" Nall of St. Louis, Elizabeth and Mark Seesing of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Christian, Kailyn, Lauryn and Nathan Pyatt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin and Helen Lee Jones; and a brother-in-law, Bruce Nall.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Schrader Funeral Home, 108 N. Central Ave. in Eureka.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rob Graham officiating. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.

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

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.