Memorials › Beryl Jean Woodward Coull
Beryl Jean Woodward Coull
20 Nov 1923 – 26 Feb 2008
| Birth | 20 Nov 1923 |
| Death | 26 Feb 2008 |
| Cemetery | Scotty Philip Cemetery Fort Pierre , Stanley County , South Dakota , USA |
| Added by | In memory of Scott on 29 Feb 2008 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24968072 |
Bio
Jean Coull, 84, Brookings, a former 56 year resident of Pierre, died Tuesday, Feb. 26 at Brookview Manor in Brookings. When Jean was two years old her mother died and she was raised by her grandparents David and Sarah McWhirter and her father. She grew up on the family farm near Vivian, attended school in Vivian and graduated from Vivian High School in 1940. On August 19, 1940 she married the love of her life, Clayton Coull. In 1942 a letter from her sister and her husband told Clayton of good paying work in CA, where Clayton worked in the Kaiser Shipyards. When he joined the navy in 1944, the family lived for a time in San Diego. Jean, Patty and Dennis returned to South Dakota and for a time Jean worked at the bank in Vivian. In 1946 the family moved to Onida and in 1949 moved to Pierre. With the addition Mary Ann and Jim to the family, a larger house was needed and they purchased the house on North Harrison where they lived for 48 years. When Jim, the youngest, went to kindergarten, Jean went to work for the South Dakota Brucellosis Lab. She enjoyed her work there, but took early retirement when Clayton retired so that they could do some traveling. Together they traveled to Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Egypt and Israel. They also enjoyed the trips with Bank West Tours, especially trips to Branson. Of course, if there were children or grandchildren graduating, getting married, or having a concert they were always in attendance. On her travels or just at home, if there was an occasion to use her camera, she did. She loved taking pictures, whether of family, scenic places, or the geese on Capitol Lake. She held several offices in United Methodist Women, worked with Peace and Justice, and sang with the Sweet Adelines. She and Clayton also belonged to the Middle Missouri Archaeological Society and loved going on digs. She was active also in the local chapter of NARFE and Toastmistress. In Dec. 1991 she was recognized as Bank West's Senior Celebrity for her many years of contributions to her community. Her greatest contribution, however, was to her family. To them she gave her love and her wisdom. She and Clayton showed their children what marriage meant. In their 66 years together, their family always felt and saw their love for each other. She was her children's first teacher. She taught her children to stand on their own two feet and by example taught the value of work and a job well done. While her children may have caused her worry and tried her patience, she has left them with memories of happy childhoods. She raised her children to value education, to know the importance of good manners and to know the importance of what was going on in the world. She made sure her children loved to read and to appreciate music. She made sure they all knew that "nobody ever said that life would always be fair, so get over it." Above all, she taught her family that God loves us and is a loving God. Mom, today you walk in God's wholeness. "Her children arise up and call her blessed." Freed from her Alzheimer's, Clayton's wait in Heaven for his "Angel" is over. He held her hand and stroked her hair In a fragile voice she said Where have you been I've searched for you forever and a day. Where have you been. I'm just not myself when you're away. Jean is survived by her children, Pat and Doug Engebretson, Belle Fourche; Dennis and Shirley Coull, Black Hawk; Mary Ann Doucette and George Clem, Leominster, MA, and James and Louise Coull, Brookngs; 13 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Also surviving are four sisters-in-law, Shirley Varilek and Caroline Sorensen both of Pierre; Willa Austin, Watertown, and Marie Bevans, Independence, KS, and one brother-in-law, Harold Coull, Fremont, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton in 2006, her parents, three brothers, one sister and one grandson. Service, under the direction of Isburg Funeral Chapel, will be held March 1 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck officiating. Burial will be in Scotty Philip Cemetery in Fort Pierre following the services.
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