Jeannine Kay Persails

After years of enduring Alzheimer’s with strength and grace, Jeannine Kay Persails, 85, passed away peacefully on November 1st, reunited at last with her loving husband, Leo F. Persails. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Road, Gaines, MI 48436, with Fr. Arockiyasamy Santhiyagu as celebrant. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Home, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. A rosary will be prayed on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jeannine’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association .

Daughter of the late Thomas and Jennie Duley, Jeannine was born on October 22, 1941, in Bay City, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary High School in Gaylord in 1959. On March 3, 1961, she married the love of her life, Leo F. Persails, and he preceded her in death on April 3, 2024. They were married for 63 wonderful years, and to all who knew them, they were incredible examples of true love and faithful servants of God. For over fifty-five years, Jeannine and Leo were devoted members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gaines, MI.

Throughout their marriage, Jeannine was a dedicated and supportive wife, as Leo became a well-respected leader of the American Postal Worker’s Union as a local, state, and national officer. The pair were inseparable at all union functions and were equally loved and respected by their union brothers and sisters. Jeannine worked for over twenty-five years as a rural carrier in Byron, MI, and was also a loyal member of the APWU Auxilary. Her customers often raved about their hardworking, compassionate mail carrier. She was often showered in baked goods and love throughout all of her years working. Once retired, Jeannine and Leo happily spent their winters in Avon Park, Florida. Jeannine was also a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Jeannine enjoyed spending time with her family and tending to her flower garden. She became an avid golfer, even earning a hole-in-one at their residency course, River Greens, in Florida. Throughout their years together, Jeannine and Leo enjoyed time golfing, singing country music songs, cruising with the top down, and visiting with their family as often as possible. She will be dearly missed.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice, Charter Senior Living in Linden, and the entire staff at Durand Senior Care for their dedication and care.

Jeannine is survived by her four children, Leo (Kelly Hartwick), Wayne (Vicki) Persails, Douglas (Teresa) Persails, Sheila (Greg) Best; twelve grandchildren, Michael (Christina), Dakota (Meredith), Shelby H., Matthew, Jacob, Trevor, and Shelby J. Persails, Amanda (Mike) Tiemer, Sarah (Joey) DeDona, Maci (Cole) Staton, Madilyn, and Carli Best; six great-grandchildren; brother James (Jan) Duley; sister Cathy (Tony) Carobine; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Jennie Duley; two children lost after childbirth, her brother Tommie Duley, her sister Marian (Ron) Wilcox. Mother-in-law, Mary Persails, brothers-in-law, Norman McCormick and Bill (Betty) Persails. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com