Jean Margaret Soutar
December 26th, 2014
Jean was born in South Vancouver, BC., the eldest daughter of John and Anna (Neate) Soutar. She is survived by her only sibling, Ruth Wollman; nieces Cathie, Jean and Sandra; nephews, John and Victor; 8 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.
Jean graduated from John Oliver High School in 1939 and completed teacher’s training at Vancouver Normal School in 1943. She taught until 1949 in Lake Cowichan, Victoria, Cawston, and Hammond, BC. She then attended Briercrest College in Caronport SK for a year of Bible training, and through continuing education obtained a Bachelor of Theology in 1969 from Northwest Baptist Theological College. She was accepted by Sudan Interior Mission (now SIM International) in 1950, and studied French in Paris for a year before serving first as a teacher and then as a Bible Translator in northern Benin (formerly Dahomey). Jean was the team leader of a dedicated group that over 30 years completed the translation of the Bible from French into the Bariba language.
After 38 years of service, she retired in 1990 to Abbotsford, BC. Not one to retire quietly, Jean continued to actively serve others through tutoring in French and ESL, leading Bible Studies, and mentoring younger women. Throughout her life she exhibited trust in the Lord, interest in family and friends, and a quiet confidence and assurance in her relationship with God.
Interment will take place on Saturday January 10th, 2015 at 11am at Maclure Road Cemetery in Abbotsford, and a memorial service will follow at 2 pm at Immanuel Fellowship Baptist Church, 2950 Blue Jay Street, Abbotsford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to SIM International or Immanuel Fellowship Baptist Church.
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