Obituary of Jean M. Jocks

April 21, 1927 – April 17, 2026

Jean M. Jocks. Age 98 of Trenton and Bellaire.

Loving mother of Paul (Jennifer), Carol Gilewicz and Bruce (Lauren). Dearest grandmother of Loretta Gilewicz and Marguerite (Kwyn) Welty. Preceded in death by husband Donald B. Jocks, son-in-law Karl R. Gilewicz and brother Robert Pilz. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Our Daily Bread Ministries, Michigan Humane Society and Angela Hospice.

Family Tribute ~ 

Jean M. Jocks, age 98, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, just days before her 99th birthday.

Jean was born in Wyandotte, Michigan and remained deeply connected to the Downriver community throughout her life. She graduated from Wyandotte Roosevelt High School in January 1945 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing at Grace Hospital School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nurse (RN) designation in 1948. She began her career in surgery at Grace Hospital, serving from 1948 to 1953.

On February 6, 1953, Jean married the love of her life, Donald B. Jocks. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They raised three children and eventually settled in Trenton, Michigan, where their children graduated from Trenton High School. Jean later returned to her nursing career as a school nurse for the Southgate Community School District, where she faithfully served from 1965 until her retirement in 1988.

Jean and Don were devoted parents who took great pride in putting all three of their children through Albion College. Family was always at the center of Jean’s life, including cherished summer vacations at Lake Bellaire—traditions that created lasting memories for generations. 

Jean loved gardening and always had an abundant display of flowers. Growing up, she was a multi-sports athlete and carried a respectable bowling average all her life. She was also an avid Detroit sports fan, especially for her beloved Tigers.

In retirement, Jean and Don fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Bellaire, Michigan, where they settled on Clam Lake in 1996 with their dog Lucky. Jean continued to live there after Don’s passing in 2015 until moving to Atria Kinghaven in Riverview in 2021.

Jean lived a life defined by faith, perseverance, and quiet strength. She was the rock that held her family together. Her daily devotion included reading Our Daily Bread, where she found strength and peace in God’s word. On the day of her passing the message for the day included the words of 2 Timothy 4:7 reflecting her life well: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

A family celebration of Jean’s life was held on April 18, 2026, at Mom’s Restaurant in Trenton, Michigan.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”