Jacqueline Jean Barnes

Jacqueline Jean Barnes, 91, passed away December 11 at Pana Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pana, IL. “Jean” O’Dell was born to Luella and William O’Dell in Decatur, IL on November 18, 1934 and was married 68 years to her husband William E. Barnes, who died in 2022.

Jean loved music and had a beautiful voice. For decades she sang in church and at weddings and funerals. In the 1970s Jean worked at WSOY as an on-air cohost interviewing celebrities, and soon after her own show, Jean’s Recipes, where she interacted with listeners and published several cookbooks.

She is survived by Jodi Barnes (JB Maddox) of Athens, GA; Susan Anderson (Donald) of Bastrop TX; and Bill Barnes (Stacy) of Madison, IN; nine grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A graveside memorial is planned for the spring.