Jean Terwilliger

Jean Elaine Terwilliger (Brocker), age 91, of Grand Rapids, MI was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Jean was born on August 30, 1934, in Bellevue, MI to Harold C. and Edna M. (Urton) Brocker. She met the love of her life, Gaylord Royce Terwilliger in Bellevue and they graduated from Bellevue High School in 1952. They were married in 1954 and shared 67 years together.

Early in their marriage, Jean and Gaylord attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music where Jean graduated in 1955 with a major in music. Faith was the foundation of Jean’s life. She faithfully served alongside her husband throughout his years in pastoral ministry leading adult choir and children’s choir. She ministered in many other ways, as well. Jean also shared her talents professionally, managing a Zondervan Family Bookstore  in Peoria, IL and later working at Zondervan’s Corporate office in Grand Rapids until her retirement.

A devoted member of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Jean found great joy in worship and fellowship, especially through her participation in church choir.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her brothers, David (Pat) Brocker of Bend, OR and Dan (Lynn) Brocker of Ellijay, GA; her children, Mike (Sally) Terwilliger of Grand Rapids, MI, Steven (Nancy) Terwilliger of Northern, MI, and Cindy (Randy) Parr of Mapleton, IL; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaylord R. Terwilliger and by her parents. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 where friends may visit with Jean’s family from 10-11 AM prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jean’s memory may be made to Calvary Church or to Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community.

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