ST. LOUIS — Hundreds gathered Saturday to remember the life and legacy of trailblazer Jean Carnahan.
The former first lady of Missouri and U.S. Senator paved the way for Missouri women to represent their home state.
A public memorial service was held Saturday at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
The music and vocals of acclaimed St. Louis jazz singer, Denis Thimes, and her ensemble filled the concert hall in downtown St. Louis as a pioneer was remembered.
"We're here for the celebration of the life of a great woman, a friend, a mother, a grandmother. Someone who laid out her life as one of service," Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II, U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, said.
Jean Carnahan died on Jan. 30, 2024, at the age of 90.
After years of public service, Carnahan made history when she was the first woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate in 2001.
"We're all terribly sad to say goodbye to this extraordinary woman, but she wanted to be remembered as the person who touched our lives, gave us inspiration and meaning, and consistently brought a smile to our faces in this time of loss," Tom Carnahan, her son, said.
After proudly holding the title of Missouri's first lady in the 90's, Jean Carnahan was appointed to the U.S. Senate after stepping into the role following her husband's tragic passing just three weeks before he was elected.
Her son, Tom Carnahan, touched on the captivating way his mother could win over a crowd of politicians.
"One thing you began to notice at political gatherings in D.C. that unless it's the actual president himself speaking, nobody in the crowd gets quiet and listens to the speaker. The only exception to that, I experienced, was mom when she spoke. You could hear a pin drop. She just had a way of capturing people's attention and imagination. The words she chose to say, but also how she said them," he said.
While most of the state of Missouri and the world will remember her for what she accomplished in Washington D.C.
Those who had the privilege of calling her mom and grandma will remember her for her constant joy, grace, and selfless acts.
"Mom, you left us a great outline and unfinished manuscript. She expects us to blast out of here today with her example etched in your hearts. She expects us to dream, dream big, and when you do, Jean Carnahan will be smiling," Russ Carnahan, her son, said.
A public reception followed the memorial service. The reception included samples of food served by many of Jean Carnahan's favorite St. Louis chefs.