Jeanne Estes Faris, 73, of Hampstead, North Carolina, and formerly of Olney, died peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2015, after a valiant struggle with cancer.

Jeanne was born January 23, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Ace Milford and Thelma Moore, who both preceded her in death.

Jeanne thoroughly enjoyed supporting causes for our veterans and writing poetry. She and her twin, James Milford, who also preceded her in death, enjoyed dancing at all of the school dances as teenagers and were surpassed by none. Jeanne graduated with honors from Olney Central College with her associate's degree in Criminal Justice.

Jeanne was a resident of Olney until moving to Hampstead, North Carolina with her daughter, Kimberly Lytle, and son, Kevin Faris, in 2013. Prior to retiring, Jeanne worked at the Holiday Inn, and Richland County Sheriff's Department, as well as working as the mayor's assistant of Olney.

Jeanne was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, The National League of POW/MIA Families and Wounded Warrior Project.

Jeanne is survived by two sisters, Linda Miller, of Chicago, and Sharon Van Fossen, of Lawrenceville. She is also survived by her four children, Kelly Ford, of Arp, Texas; Kathy and spouse Randy Reeves, of Olney; Kimberly and spouse Daryl Lytle, and Kevin and spouse Amanda Faris, of Hampstead, North Carolina. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Nickie Ritter-Daniel, Jarrod Guyer, Angela Zuber, Jessica Riley, Jordan Torres, Ashly Harrison, Joel Torres, Devin Reeves, Hannah Reeves, and Riley Faris. Jeanne is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Noah and Hunter Perry, Daisy Daniels, Grayson Guyer, Sophia Quinn Torres, Brayden Kelchner, and Adrian Riley. In addition, she leaves a number of other relatives and close friends.

The moment you died my heart was torn in two, one side filled with heartache, the other died with you. I often lie awake at night, when the world is fast asleep, and take a walk down memory lane, with tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day, but missing you is heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain. Until the joyous day, when we meet again ...

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - Tuesday, February 17, 2015