Jean Frances Creighton, 83, a native of Decatur, Illinois, and a longtime resident of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Born February 10, 1943, Jean was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Strong, determined, and warmhearted, she was the heart of her family.

Jean married Army veteran John W. Creighton on June 11, 1961, in Decatur, Illinois. They shared more than 36 years of marriage until John’s passing on February 27, 1998. Their family included six children: stepson Russ A. Brink; sons John W. Creighton Jr. and John E. Creighton; and daughters Faith A. McKinzey-Rodmaker, Brenda J. Purnell, and Angela G. Creighton.

In her early years, Jean began building what would become a long and impressive career. As a teenager, she worked as a carhop at the Dog n Suds drive-in restaurant and as an attendant at the Red Carpet Car Wash. She later worked at Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), a corn and soybean processing facility in Decatur, Illinois.

Jean then joined A.E. Staley in Decatur and eventually transferred to the company’s facility in Loudon, Tennessee. She helped with the startup of the new facility and continued working there until her retirement. Jean was well known as a groundbreaker who succeeded in extremely demanding, traditionally male-dominated workplaces. It was there that she lightheartedly and playfully adopted—and proudly carried—the nickname “Mean Jean.” Hardworking, capable, and outspoken, Jean was never afraid to stand her ground or speak her mind.

Among her favorite pastimes, Jean enjoyed cheering for UT football, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Lady Vols basketball, and the horses of the Kentucky Derby. She was also a devoted NASCAR fan who closely followed her favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson. One of her most treasured experiences came shortly before her passing, when the Dream Foundation learned of her declining health and granted her hospice wish to speak with Jimmie Johnson during a FaceTime call. It was a moment that brought her tremendous joy.

Jean found happiness in some of life’s simplest pleasures. She loved East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, watching the birds, and enjoying an extra-crispy fried catfish dinner with all the fixings. She loved country music, and some of her favorite artists included Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, and John Denver, to name a few. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, fishing, and spending time with her family.

During her final months, Jean was surrounded by her family, dear friends, and many specialized caregivers. She faced several acute medical challenges with faith, courage, and determination beyond measure, setting yet another example of strength and fearlessness for everyone who knew her.

Jean was preceded in death by her father, Harrison E. Nihiser; her mother, Dorothy Jean Dickson Nihiser; her beloved husband, John W. Creighton; and their firstborn son, John W. Creighton Jr.

She is survived by her children: stepson Russ A. Brink of Kansas City, Kansas; Faith A. McKinzey-Rodmaker of Cleveland, Georgia; John E. Creighton of Ocala, Florida; Brenda J. Purnell of Kodak, Tennessee; and Angela G. Creighton of Ten Mile, Tennessee. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald E. Nihiser of Decatur, Illinois; 18 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; her faithful and loyal companion, Jasmine; and many precious friends and family members who loved her dearly.

Rest assured, Jean’s love, strength, wisdom, loyalty, warmth, and determination will live on through the generations she cherished.

Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who accompanied Jean on this journey. We thank each and every one of you for the texts, calls, visits, help, food, gifts, flowers, supplies, and, most of all, prayers. You provided tremendous comfort to Jean and our family throughout her final journey on this earth.

A University of Tennessee-themed celebration of Jean’s life, featuring orange and white, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home in Maryville, Tennessee. A small luncheon gathering will follow in the Smith Event Center, located directly behind the funeral home.

To complement the UT theme, the family kindly requests orange-and-white floral arrangements or simple greenery and plants from those wishing to send an arrangement.

Jean will be laid to rest on Monday, September 28, 2026, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee. Although there will not be a formal graveside service, friends and family who wish to attend are more than welcome.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You fought long enough, loved us well, and will remain with us always.