Argentine "Jean" Avitt
February 13, 1926 - March 22, 2022
Argentine (Jean) Avitt, 96, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away March 22, 2022. She was born to Marius Michel Bernard Giroud and Josephine Emma Jeanne Clerin on February 13, 1926, in Marseille, France. Jean's birth name was Argentine Noelie Philomene Giroud. Jean started school at the early age of four years so that the school had enough students to hold classes. She loved reading and helping her grandparents on the farm. Jean was married to Shalmer Lynn Avitt during WWII on July 7, 1945. They were blessed with three children: Josiann, Bernie, and Bob. Jean worked as a nursing assistant several years and retired after 17 years as a school bus driver from the Knoxville School District. She enjoyed baking and cooking with a collection of over one hundred cookbooks. Sewing, being a Den mother, and spoiling the grandchildren and great grandchildren were her favorite pastimes. She was a caregiver for many family members throughout her life, including her best friend, Louise Starr. She treasured time with friends, especially Becky Lane. Those left to honor her memory are her son Bernie (Marilynn); son Bob (Pat); grandchildren: Tim (Tamara) Collins, Bryan (Kim) Avitt, Stacey (Scott) Bacorn, Greg (Laura) Avitt, Lindsey (Phil) Latessa; great-grandchildren: Tara, Tristan, and Brittany Bacorn; Grace and Ben Avitt; Ella and Mia Latessa; Jacob and Claire Avitt; Lauren Ashley, Taylor, and Rebecca Collins; and sister-in-law Maryse Giroud; niece, Nathalie Giroud; and nephew, Patrick Giroud. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Shalmer; brother, Noel Giroud; daughter, Josiann Collins; son-in-law, Larry Collins; brother-in-law, Eudean Avitt; and her in-laws, Ralph, and Marie Avitt. Visitation will be held at the Winfield Funeral Home on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with family present to greet friends and relatives. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Following services, burial will be held at Chariton Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Knoxville Fire and Rescue or Knoxville Public Library.
Argentine (Jean) Avitt, 96, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away March 22, 2022. She was born to Marius Michel Bernard Giroud and Josephine Emma Jeanne Clerin on February 13, 1926, in Marseille, France. Jean's birth name was Argentine Noelie Philomene... View Obituary & Service Information