Barbara Jean Schaefer, 90

Mrs. Barbara Jean Schaefer, of Three Rivers, formerly of Muskegon, passed away on Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home. She was born in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois on March 28th, 1926, the daughter of the late Clifford Augustus Hastings and Adela Marie Lawton.
In the 1960’s Barbara Jean was on the Board of West Shore Symphony Orchestra, Muskegon Michigan and active in Port City Playhouse and the Muskegon Civic Opera. She and husband, George, were active in the Muskegon, Elks and spent many memorable days at Elks Park in Muskegon. During the 60’s and 70’s, she was a Producer/Coordinator/Writer/ Sponsor for contestants in the Miss Michigan, Miss Muskegon, Miss North Ottawa County, and Miss Grand Haven Pageants. She coordinated and modeled in numerous fashion shows. She also worked in sales for WTRU Radio, writing and producing commercials, and hosting the Jeannie Schaefer radio show. Later, as a caseworker with the Muskegon County Juvenile Court, Barbara Jean was a courageous and positive influence in the lives of many abused and neglected children.
In her golden years, Barbara Jean was a stay at home grandma and helped raise her grandchildren, James and Chelsi Gillard. Many people knew her as “Grandma”.
Barbara Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Harry “Red” Williamson and George Edward Schaefer, one son, George Edward (Scott) Schaefer IV, one sister, Dorothy Johnston, and one brother, Richard Hastings.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, two sons, James (Nancy) Williamson and Nicholas P. Schaefer; one daughter Cynthia (James) Gillard; Grandchildren, Wendy, Jeremy, Jake, Hannah, and Sam (Rachel) Williamson, Nicholas Schaefer, James “Jimmy” Gillard and Chelsi (Kenton) Bowers, and Olivia Schaefer. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mrs. Barbara Jean’s life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Newberg Norton Bible Church with her grandson, Pastor Jeremy Williamson, officiating.
Memorials may be donated to the Riverview Manor Auxiliary Fund for the Memory Unit in Three Rivers. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com