You don’t need to know Jean Clouse’s long list of accomplishments to feel her presence; her gentle heart and welcoming smile speak for themselves. Her story is one of quiet adventure, deep devotion, and a knack for finding joy wherever she goes.

Willa Jean Clouse was born in Sparta, Tennessee, on September 21, 1932, to Ray and Beulah McDole. Her childhood was shaped by the hum of her father’s service station and the laughter echoing from the roller-skating rink he owned next door. It was in that rink that Jean first laced up a pair of skates, gliding in circles until she became a true standout on wheels. Though she grew up as an only child, Jean never lacked for friends, her warmth drawing people in from the start.

Jean graduated from White County High School in her hometown, and it was there that she married her childhood sweetheart, Glyn Clouse. Glyn made a career as an engineer, designing and surveying interstate highways for the Tennessee Road Department. Together, Jean and Glyn welcomed two daughters, Glynda and Shawna, and their home filled with laughter and love.

Seeking to be closer to Glyn’s family, the Clouses made a move to Indiana. But their hearts remained in Tennessee, and after just a year, they returned to Sparta. There, Jean began a thirty-five-year career as Office Manager at Red Kap Industries. She was the steady hand who hired new staff, managed payroll, and kept the daily workings of the office running smoothly. Her commitment and care supported the company’s success for decades.

Jean’s life in Sparta was also rich with faith and community. She was a devoted member of Sparta First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and shared her kindness with friends and neighbors. In her free time, she found adventure in the outdoors—waterskiing across sparkling Tennessee lakes and tending her flower garden, always eager for a new thrill or a quiet moment surrounded by blooms.

When retirement called, Jean moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, to be closer to Shawna and her grandson, Chandler. She joined Wesley Memorial Methodist Church and threw herself into the joys of gardening, transforming her backyard into a vibrant display of blooms. She loved nothing more than a road trip to the beach or a drive through the mountains, but her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family—especially Chandler.

In 2015, Chandler married his fiancée, Morgan, and five years later, the family welcomed a baby girl, Willa, named in Jean’s honor. It’s a legacy she cherishes.

Today, Jean can often be found enjoying the fresh air with her daughter Shawna, bringing a quiet sense of care and kindness to everyone she meets. She’s known for her gentle spirit, her compassion toward staff and neighbors, and her ever-ready willingness to help. The Harbor Plus community at Legacy Village of Cleveland is truly blessed to have Jean’s nurturing presence and sweet smile among us.



If you haven’t met Jean yet, just look for the flowers—or follow the sound of laughter on the patio. She’ll be there, sharing her warmth with all who pass by.