Lois Elaine Jacobs

Lois Elaine Smith Jacobs January 13, 1952 - August 26, 2013 Lois Elaine Smith was born on January 13, 1952. She was ushered into this world alongside her twin sister, Laurel Jean. Lois attended Cooper Elementary, Fairview Junior High School, Alexander Ramsey Senior High and what was then Bethel College from 1970 - 1972. After Bethel she attended Globe Business College for two years. This education prepared her for years of service as an Administrative Assistant in various positions. Lois met Sammy Lee Jacobs during her high school years at Central Baptist Church. They were married on Dec. 30, 1972 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. She became a medical transcriber and worked for quite a few years at home in this capacity while they raised their three children. Justin Eric was born on October 10, 1975. Lori Lyn was born on March 23, 1978 and Carrie Ann was born on November 13, 1981. They lived in their home on Hoyt Avenue in Falcon Heights, purchased from her parents, C. Howard and Dorothea Smith, until 1999 when they moved across the street from her twin sister in Shoreview, MN. Lois began her position working at Bethel University as an Administrative Assistant for Sherm Swenson in 1990. Through the 23 years following, she had the pleasure of serving the Bethel community under the leadership of Marie Schultz, Ralph Gustafson, Randy Thomann, Bruce Kunkel, John Bergeson, Tom Johnson and Dan Nelson, officially, though her influence and help stretched far beyond these. Her last position was in the President's Office working for President Jay Barnes, Rich Sherry and Joe LaLuzerne. She retired with grace and dignity March of this current year when her health made it impossible for her to continue. She loved Bethel University! Throughout her adult years Lois remained very active at her home church, Central Baptist. She was a member there for almost 50 years! She sang in the choir, served in women's ministry leadership, led women's Bible studies, and served on various committees, most recently the 2012-2013 Pulpit Committee. She took great pleasure in the fact she was so instrumental in bringing Pastor Joel Lawrence to Central. Lois leaves behind a great legacy. She has nine grandchildren whom she loved dearly and served selflessly. She continually shared Jesus with them and lived His life before them. She greatly enjoyed their sporting events, concerts, dance recitals, times at the cabin and so many other activities. She welcomed into the family her daughter-in-law Sarah and her sons-in-law, Kevin and Tony, with open arms. Lois was gently taken to be with Jesus on Monday, August 26, 2013 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She fought valiantly, choosing a natural method of treatment over chemotherapy and radiation. She had no regrets about this and was pain free until the end. Lois is survived by her husband of 40 years, Sam; her children Justin (Sarah) and their four children, Courtney, Tyler, Haley and Ethan; her daughter Lori (Kevin) Rasmussen and their three children, Sydney, Chase and Paityn; her daughter Carrie (Anthony) Ibarra and their two children, Dylan and Melanie. She is also survived by her brother Kenard (Joanne) Smith; her sister, Laurel (Dave) Sulack; and many other beloved relatives, nieces and nephews. Lois prayed for healing, either here, or in heaven, but in all things, she wanted the Lord to be glorified. In her final CaringBridge entry Lois shared this scripture from Romans 4:24-5:5, "...God will also count us as righteous if we only believe in Him, the One who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God...Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have PEACE with God because of what Jesus our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." Today she is among a great cloud of witnesses, standing in that undeserved privilege, sharing His glory! Lois, at the end of her life, could say with confidence, "I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Jesus is saying in return, "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of the Lord." Memorial Celebration to be held Sunday, September 8th, 2013 at 3 p.m., Bethel University, Benson Great Hall. Reception to follow. Memorials preferred to Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112, Central Baptist Church Foundation, 420 Roy Street N, St. Paul, MN 55104 or Children's Shelter of Cebu, PO Box 247 Cambridge, MN 55008.

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Lois Elaine Jacobs

January 13, 1952 - August 26, 2013

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