April 23, 1946 ~ July 20, 2015

Jeannine Thomas Elliff died at age 69, in Oklahoma City, OK, in her beloved home that has been "home" to so many others. In the days prior to her death she was surrounded by her family members who celebrate her passing into eternity with her beloved Savior, Jesus. Jeannine Kaufman Thomas was born in Burbank, California, on April 23, 1946, to Ray and Alberta Thomas. At the age of five, Jeannie's family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. Jeannie graduated from Little Rock Hall High School, and subsequently attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where she and Tom Elliff fell in love. They were wed on August 20, 1966, and promptly began their journey together in Christian ministry. That journey included three college and seminary churches (Martindale in Little Rock, Vickery in Dallas, TX, and First Baptist in Mansfield, TX), three post-seminary churches (Eastwood, Tulsa, OK, Applewood, Denver, CO, and First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, OK), and over nine years with the International Mission Board, first as a missionary in Zimbabwe, Africa, and ultimately in Richmond, VA, where her husband served as president. Jeannie loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was at once gracious, listening, gentle, strong, spunky, and totally devoted to her Lord, His Word, her husband, and her family. Together Jeannie and Tom toiled for the Gospel, as companions, servants and lovers. Jeannie was quick to remind people that there was a vast difference between being merely "religious," and being genuinely born again. This testimony was born out of her own experience of serving faithfully in church and even being a pastor's wife for five years before truly repenting and turning in faith to Christ alone for her salvation. Jeannie accepted her task of mothering as a holy stewardship. She prayed for her children. She listened to them. She taught them. She filled the house with music and worship. She loved to sing praises to Jesus. She became, as the children grew, a dear and constant friend to each of them. Being a grandmother was one of the greatest joys in Jeannie's life! She kept in touch with each of her grandchildren, sending birthday gifts, writing letters, following them through social media. She was a Godly presence in their lives, spurring them on in their faith, and praying for them earnestly and carefully every day. Being at Grandmother's house was pure comfort for her grandchildren. Being with Grandmother was a respite. Jeannie served her family and her friends quietly and tirelessly. Being a low-drama, balanced, steady individual, it is not surprising that God entrusted her with many Gospel adventures all over the world, with her husband and family. For over thirty-seven years Jeannie studied the Word and taught others to do the same using the approach shared through Precept Upon Precept Ministries. Walking in grace and humility, Jeannie was intimately connected with hundreds — perhaps thousands—of missionaries and believers all over the globe. She prayed for them and leaves behind a precious legacy prayer. Jeannie never tried to be great. She sought to make Jesus great, and to encourage others in their service to Jesus. She was "sensible" as Titus 2 encourages women to be, "...laying down lesser pursuits so often, to help others, for the sake of the Gospel." She valued what God valued and became in the eyes of so many others…great! ! Jeannie loved to remind her children and her friends of God's all-encompassing presence in the lives of His children, found in Psalm 139:5 and Deuteronomy 33:27: "You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me…and underneath are the everlasting arms." Now, she is with God, experiencing the fulfillment of His promises, His arms, and His love, in a clearer more tangible way. Jeannie Elliff loved well, and is loved…forever! Jeannie was preceded in death by her: Parents. She leaves many cherished memories with her loving: Husband of nearly 50 years, Tom Elliff; Children: Emily Elizabeth Cox and her husband Tony; Amy Camille Jarboe and her husband David; Sarah Jane Mann and her husband Greg; Jonathan Thomas Elliff and his wife Rebecca; Sister, Jane Jacobsen and her husband Paul; 25 Grandchildren; 1 Great Grandson.