Jean Ann Shoemaker

In Loving Memory of Jean Ann Shoemaker

With heavy hearts, yet with hope in God’s promises, we announce the passing of Jean Ann Shoemaker, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Jean was born on May 25, 1948, to John and Alice Paulson in Genoa, Illinois. There, she grew up on the 4th generation family farm that turns 100 later this year helping with the livestock and chores associated with corn and soybean production. The lessons she learned through farm life — hard work, kindness, humility, and compassion — became the foundation of the beautiful life she lived.

A proud member of the Genoa-Kingston High School Class of ’66, Jean matriculated to Aurora University where she studied social work and began lifelong friendships. In 1972, she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree, and soon thereafter, joined one of her college best friends in Bradenton, Florida. Although the Sunshine State ultimately became her home for more than fifty years, she always considered herself a “farm girl” and never lost the warmth and strength of her Midwestern roots.

In Florida, Jean devoted her career to serving others and making the world a safer place for kids. Initially, she provided critical health and human services via State agencies, such as by investigating child abuse cases, transitioning children from unsafe homes to stable, nurturing environments, and helping mothers with cocaine addictions. As a result, she was recognized by the Manatee Community Council for Children for her “outstanding services to the children of Manatee County.”

For nearly two decades, she was the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital SAFE Kids Coordinator, preventing unnecessary child deaths. Jean spent countless hours creating safe routes to schools, properly installing and checking car seats and providing same to low-income families, educating communities about pool drowning prevention, giving away bike helmets and properly fitting them to children, and much more.

Jean ended her career as an EFNEP Nutrition Educator assisting low-income families with accessing nutritious foods and creating healthy meals.

Once retired, Jean’s tireless work helping others did not end. Rather, she used her newly-found free time to work with her Dad to create a Free Little Library in her front yard. She received an Everyday Hero Award for her commitment to providing everyone in her community with access to quality reading materials with an eye towards kindergarten readiness.

She also channeled her love of animals. Beyond creating a loving home for her cherished pets, dog Bunny and cats Kitty Rose and Gracie, she fostered Dogs Inc. trainees to support animals during their journeys to becoming therapy and visually-impaired assistance dogs. She also assisted Bunny in becoming a certified Therapy Pup, so they could visit churches, pre-schools, and nursing homes to provide love and comfort to those in need of companionship.

Most importantly, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She raised her daughter, Melanie, as a single mother, overcoming significant emotional and financial hurdles to always provide Melanie with unconditional love and unwavering support.

She also fearlessly loved her grandsons, Maverick and Mason, with whom she frequently FaceTimed and sent quintessential gifts for which she was well-known.

Jean leaves behind a legacy that cannot be singularly measured by accomplishments, but also by the countless lives she touched with her compassion, generosity, and strength. She taught those who loved her that happiness is found in loyalty, caring for others, and loving deeply.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Paulson. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted daughter, Melanie (Mike); cherished grandsons, Maverick and Mason; brother, Mike (Maddy) Paulson; nephews, Joseph (Sara) Paulson and Andrew (Sarah) Paulson; niece, Rebecca (Mike) Meyers; beloved great-nieces and great-nephew; extended family; treasured friends; and many others whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Jean’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, July 19, 2026, beginning at 1 PM at the Church where she was a longtime Member, Trinity Lutheran Church (2200 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205). To honor her Midwestern farming roots, a potluck-style reception will be hosted by the family following the service.

In honor of Jean’s lifelong commitment to farming, children, and helping all those around her, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to 4-H in her memory.