Lou Jean Jewell
Lou Jean Jewell, a cherished member of the Lucas, Kentucky community, peacefully passed away on March 20, 2024, at NHC Healthcare. She and her beloved husband, Harry Jewell, shared 65 years of marriage until Harry’s passing in 2017. Lou Jean was the loving mother of Teresa Jewell Bewley (Jimmy) of Lucas and the proud grandmother of Jamie Bewley Byrd (Daniel) and Drew Bewley Settle (Chad), all residing in Barren County. She leaves behind a lasting legacy through her seven great-grandchildren: Shelby Byrd, Sydney Byrd, Saylor Byrd, Sawyer Byrd, Tripp White, Claire Settle, and Garner Settle. Lou Jean is also survived by one brother Orville Wilkerson (Joyce; two sisters: Jan Groce (Bobby) and Evelyn Billingsley (Ray); three sisters-in-law: Sandy Wilkerson, Wanda Wilkerson, and Maggie Wilkerson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Harry Jewell, Lou Jean was preceded in death by her parents Finis and Lou Birdia Carver Wilkerson; one sister Sandra Wilkerson; and four brothers: James Hugh Wilkerson (Betty), Clifton Wilkerson, Donald Wilkerson, and Mike Wilkerson.
In October 1946, Lou Jean was baptized at Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, where she found solace and was a devoted member. Her strong faith was a guiding light in her life, and she was saved by grace during a Fall Revival.
Lou Jean spent her entire life in the Barren County area and was a member of the first graduating class of Austin Tracy High School. Alongside her husband, she played a significant role in establishing the Austin Tracy Little League Program and the Austin Tracy Fire Department, where she dedicated many years to serving in the Women’s Auxiliary.
Remembered for her exceptional culinary talents, Lou Jean often created delicious pies and desserts to celebrate various accomplishments and milestones. She adored her family and cherished spending time with loved ones and friends, many of whom she met during her time at Handmacher Fashions as well as her time spent on the nominating committee at SCRTC.
A familiar presence at the Barren County gymnasium, Lou Jean occupied the same seat from the day it opened until her health declined. Her memory will live on through the relationships she cultivated and the kindness she showed to all those she encountered. Lou Jean Jewell will be forever treasured as a symbol of community spirit, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Saturday and continue Sunday at the funeral home. Alternate expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Mt. Olivet Cemetery Fund, c/o Daniel Byrd, 1032 Austin Tracy Road, Lucas, KY 42156. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Teresa, Jimmy, and family; Lou Jean left everyone she came into contact with feeling thankful for having met her. You all are in my prayers during this tough time of dealing with your great loss. May God bless each of you.
She was a sweet woman. All of you are in my prayers.
Lou Jean was such a wonderful sweet soul! I thought a lot of her and HG. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.