Jeanette Thomas Abraham, 88, passed into eternal rest on February 4, 2022, as a result of complications from long-term cardiac issues. She was born in Longview, Texas, and attended Longview High School, then Kilgore College where she was a member of the Kilgore Rangerettes. As a Rangerette, she had the distinct honor of appearing at Radio City Music Hall alongside the world-famous Rockettes. Later, Jeanette attended the University of Texas in Austin, although her objective of obtaining a degree in business was put aside for a higher calling when in 1953, she met Charles Abraham, of Vicksburg, MS, and they married the same year. They worked alongside each other at Charles' Department Store for over fifty years and were graced with fifty-four years of devoted marriage until his passing in 2008.
Jeanette was active in many arts. She was gifted as a classical pianist, vocalist, and artist; talents she freely shared. She enjoyed singing in the Vicksburg Community Chorus and her church choir. In addition, she loved expressing her talents through painting and serving as a Miss Mississippi pageant hostess for over twenty years.
Jeanette was an avid reader and gardener and a longtime member of River Hills Garden Club. She easily made friends, many lifelong, and supported friends and strangers alike in her special, giving way. By nature, she was loving. She consistently smiled and offered many heartfelt words of encouragement to her friends and family. Jeanette's greatest joy was her immediate and extended family and her constant
canine companion, Bri, all of whom were showered with her unfailing affection and tenderness, and whose lives were enriched by knowing her. She will be deeply missed.
Jeanette is survived by her five children: Charlene Davis, Charles Jr. (Terri), David, Suzanne Hull (Greg), and Maggie Collins (Kevin); ten grandchildren: Charles Abraham III (Jamie), Haylee Nix (Andrew), Christian Abraham, Hannah Bonelli (Joey), Elizabeth Hedger (Philip), Kristen Collins, Meredith Hull, Blake Collins, Maddie Hull, and Lindsay Gibbs (Shelby); and seven great grandchildren: Halle Grace Bonelli, Emma Ryan Nix, Elizabeth (Liza) James Bonelli, Mary Reece Nix, Mary Charles (Charli) Hedger, Gray Gibbs, and Reed Gibbs. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Abraham, parents Isaac and Lucille Thomas, sisters Marlene Haraka and Dianne Glaze, and son-in-law Robert Davis.
Pallbearers are Greg Hull, Kevin Collins, Chase Abraham, Christian Abraham, Blake Collins, Andrew Nix, Joey Bonelli, and Philip Hedger. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Glaze, George Haraka, Doug Panzone, Craig Chambers, and Jeanette's granddaughters, nieces and nephews.
The family will host a visitation and viewing at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Vicksburg, on Tuesday, February 8th, at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by Trisagion prayers at 11:15 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. The church address is: 2709 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS 39180.
The family understands that personal health and safety is of utmost importance and appreciates you celebrating Jeanette's life, whether with us or at home.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Vicksburg or any other preferred charity.