Jelane Marie Hamper

Our mom, Jelane Marie Hamper passed away peacefully on June 6, 2022 at the age of 91. She will be dearly missed by her five children, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and so many others whose lives she touched throughout her many years.  Jelane was born in Grand Rapids on December 28, 1930 to Bernice and Paul Seefeld. She was the youngest of two girls and was predeceased by her sister, Sally. Jelane graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Social Work. After college, she fell in love with Louis Winchell Hamper, Jr. They married in 1954 and settled in Greenville, where they raised their children, several dogs and cats, a guinea pig, two rabbits, and five ducklings. Later in life she spent time with a companion, Bill Braman.  Jelane loved to garden, cook, and entertain. She kept her family and friends close and always made room for a newcomer. She was wise in her counsel, generous with her time, and very involved in her community.  She served on the board of the Greenville Area Community Foundation. She was a member of the Twentieth Century Club and the Per Gradus club and volunteered at her children’s schools, the blood bank, the food bank, and the First Congregational Church. Jelane also worked as the Friend of the Court for ten years advocating on behalf of children and families in Montcalm County. She was grateful to be entrusted with this important work and treated her responsibilities with dedication, compassion, and care. Jelane and Lou travelled the world together and instilled the spirit of adventure and curiosity in all five of their children. Her grandchildren marveled when she dove off a spring-board at the age of seventy! Her contagious energy and joyful spirit endured until her final days. Safe journeys, dear mom, forever in our hearts.  A service will be held 11 AM Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the First Congregational Church, Greenville, followed by a reception at the Winter Inn. The family hopes all those touched by Jelane will join in celebrating her life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate). Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.