Cora Claudine Jett

Cora Claudine Sharp Jett and her identical twin were born December 7, 1917, in Marston, Missouri, and grew up in New Madrid, Missouri. The twins participated in sports throughout their school years, playing basketball, tennis, and running track. Their favorite activity, however, was dancing. If music was playing, they were dancing. Cora continued to love dancing throughout her life.

Cora attended Central Missouri State College for one year before transferring to the University of Missouri. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. While at Mizzou, she met her future husband, Missouri Tigers football player Bob Jett. She and Bob secretly wed at the end of their senior year. Coincidentally, her twin also eloped within 3 weeks. Cora and Bob were celebrating Cora’s 24th birthday when news came across the radio that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Throughout those war years, the army sent Cora and Bob to army bases in South Dakota and Texas.

Following WWII, Cora and Bob lived and raised their family of 4 children in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Cora taught Home Economics and assisted Bob in his appliance store. She could often be found giving appliance demonstrations to prospective customers. Cora was also very active in the First Methodist Church as well as sponsoring her children’s scout troops, playing bridge, and of course finding time to dance. She and Bob travelled far and wide just to get to dance to the “big band” sound.

Cora’s husband Bob passed away in April of 1973. She continued to teach Home Economics for many years and retired after a 30 year career. Although Cora never remarried, she continued her passion for dancing and outlived 5 dancing partners.

Cora’s family moved her to the Conroe area in 2013. Upon her death, Cora resided at Heartis Senior Community, and in spite of her advanced age, enjoyed the varied activities. Cora could be found daily exercising and chair dancing. She had a gentle soul and music in her heart.

Cora’s family celebrated her 100th birthday on December 2, 2017. Many family members and friends joined in her centennial celebration.

Cora is survived by her four children: Judy Jett Duncan of Montgomery, Texas, and husband Robert, Jim Bob Jett of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, William Joe Jett (Bedo) of Maumelle, Arkansas, and wife Wanda, Jackson Jett of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, also seven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Cora will be remembered by scores of people because of her smile, care, compassion for others, her gentle, loving spirit, and the joy she gave to all as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

The family would like to thank and recognize many for the excellent care she received that allowed her to live such a long, full life, particularly The Gathering Place of Conroe, Texas, and the caregivers and staff of Heartis Conroe, and Compassionate Care Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.

Donations may be made in Cora’s memory to First Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 500 N Main St, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.