Norma Jean Campbell Chastain, 95, Salem joined her husband, son, and many beloved relatives in eternal rest on April 24, 2026.
Born on March 29, 1931, to Alexander and Elna Martin Campbell, Jean grew up with a strong sense of faith and community. She graduated from Polk Township School in 1945 and Pekin High School in 1949. That same year, she married Donald N. Chastain and made their home in Vernon Township, beginning a life rich in love, purpose, and devotion.
Jean’s life was centered on family, faith, and service. She and Donald worked the farm together while raising two sons, Mark Ellis and Douglas “Scott.” She and Donald were also devoted participants in Senior Saints in the Smokies at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee — a tradition Jean carried on for 27 years. When her boys began school, Jean entered the workforce, serving as a Cook at Vernon Township School, Secretary at West Washington Elementary School, and at Shanks Abstract & Title, before retiring in 1990 as Secretary of Mt. Tabor Christian Church. For many years, she also served faithfully as Corresponding Secretary and Forwarding Agent for the Brazil Christian Mission.
Jean was a woman of many joys — gardening, quilting, the outdoors, and above all, watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. She delighted in their talents in academics, drama, dance, football, baseball, choir, and golf. After 13 years of widowhood, she moved to Oswego, Illinois, to live with her son Mark and daughter-in-law Diane. During those five years, she was a constant and cherished presence in the lives of her four great-grandchildren, with fond memories made watching game shows and spending time outside together. She endeared herself to her church family in Oswego and, when no longer able to attend in person, faithfully continued to worship online. With a sparkle in her eye, Jean loved to introduce herself as “Mean Jean” — a nickname that couldn’t have been further from the truth, as there was not a single mean bone in her body.
Following the sudden loss of her son Scott in 2023, Jean moved to Bruceville, Indiana, to be near his children, Courtney and Austin. Once again, she opened her heart and home, and visits to “Memaw’s” house for cookies, games, and artwork became cherished memories for her great-grandchildren there as well.
Jean returned to Washington County on April 21st and was blessed with visits from family and friends before passing peacefully on April 24, 2026.
She is survived by her son, Mark (Diane) Chastain of Oswego, Illinois; grandchildren Heather (Brian) Parker of Naperville, Illinois; Blake (Emily) Chastain of Oswego, Illinois; Courtney (Erich) Bauer of Bruceville, Indiana; and Austin Chastain of Evansville, Indiana; great-grandchildren Bennett, Posey, and Phoebe Parker; Sophia Chastain; and Brayden, Liam, Aiden, and Remi Bauer; as well as cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Elna Campbell; her husband, Donald N. Chastain; her son, Douglas Scott Chastain; four brothers, Owen, Wayne, Glenn, and Donnie; and her sister, Wilma Losson.
Visitation at Weathers Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 28th from 4-8:00 with funeral visitation at Mt.Tabor Christian Church from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 29th before funeral services at 10:00 AM.
Internment at Mt. Tabor Cemetery immediately following.
Donations can be made to Mt. Tabor Christian Church Cemetery fund c/o Roddy Humphrey 2093 Old 160 Salem, Indiana. 47167.
