Elsie Jean Stepp Lamons, 92 years young, departed peacefully from this world on January 1, 2024, in Tupelo, with her daughter by her side. She fought a courageous battle with dementia the past few years. She never wanted to be called old or have her age referred to. She was a very nurturing woman who loved to care for people, even in the nursing home. She had resided in the Chesterville community for many years. She was born December 18, 1931, in Pontotoc County to Doshie B. McLaughlin Stepp and Roy B. Stepp. Jean had a varied working career, ranging from the nursing field to factories, sales to clerical, but her favorite was working for the North MS Regional Center as an Independent Living Supervisor. She adored her “boys” and often worked holidays or brought them home with her because she didn’t want anyone left alone. After retiring from NMRC, she went to work at Olive Garden as a hostess so she could be around people. She worked there until age 80 when she was forced to retire due to a fall. Jean loved bright colors, getting her hair styled, nice clothes, gawdy jewelry and makeup, especially lipstick. Her passion was any activity in which her children and grandchildren were involved. Her favorite hobby, without a doubt, was sewing! She loved to sew. That was practically the only time she sat down. She was RARELY still. She liked to be busy and never met a stranger. She was a tough cookie. She was a charter member of Chesterville Calvary Baptist Church and at the time of her passing, was the oldest living member.
Preceding Jean (because she hated her first name), were her parents; her husband, Owen Lamons, Jr.; three brothers, Herbert “Doc” Stepp, Talmadge “Tootsie” Stepp, and Raymond “Pete” Stepp; special nephew, George Lamons; and most recently, her beloved granddaughter, Lacey Elkins.
Jean leaves to mourn her passing but rejoice in her home-going her daughter, Pamela Lamons, and son, Emrick Lamons (Kelly); a nephew whom she considered her son, Mark Lamons; grandsons, Jamie Richey (Shawna) and Eddie Lamons, and Lacey’s husband, Patrick Elkins; great-grandsons, Eli and Jax Richey and Roman and Julian Elkins; and three sisters-in-law, Emily Lamons, Linda Stepp, and Verline Stepp; and several nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Pallbearers will be her nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Chesterville Calvary Baptist Church, 106 Doe Run, Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be from 11 AM to service time Wednesday only. Bro. Mike Brazeal and Bro. Jim Varon will officiate. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Chesterville Calvary Baptist Church, 106 Doe Run, Tupelo, MS 38801.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers at Diversicare of Tupelo and especially to Enhabit Hospice.
