Obituary

Everett George Jewell, affectionately known as Papa Bear, passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2025, at the age of 82, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer and dementia. He was born on October 10, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Everett grew up in Laconia, New Hampshire, before building a life and family in Wichita, Kansas, and then later on in Lincolnton, North Carolina. In his later years, he found comfort and joy under the loving care of his daughters, Lynn in Wichita, Kansas; and Eboni with the aid of her husband Ken, in Mission Viejo, California. In Kansas, he loved spending time with his family there as well as feeding the squirrels who became his friends. In California, he treasured anytime he could attend service at Saddleback Church, enjoyed trips to Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, and a leisurely drive down Trabuco Canyon that ended with a good In-N-Out burger.

A man of great strength and faith, Everett served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service, he studied business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He then started Jewell Building Systems on what he said was “thirty bucks and a prayer,” which then grew into an international company. His professional achievements were matched by his spiritual calling; he was an ordained Baptist pastor with an honorary doctorate in theology from Sparrow Springs Bible College. He also built a nonprofit named Houses of the Soul with his wife at the time, Bera Jewell, which built churches and mission buildings to serve those in need in the U.S. and abroad.

Everett was the rock of his family while they were growing up, steady, strong, and always there when they needed him. Even after moving to Kansas and North Carolina, he made the effort to visit New Hampshire often, always staying close to their hearts. He gave legendary bear hugs and his signature response, no matter the weather, was “Honey, if I was doing any better, I couldn’t stand it.” He always chose to see the glass more than half full, and encouraged anyone who would listen, to live life with that same positivity.

Everett radiated strength, love, and compassion and gave so much just by being who he was. He had a great sense of humor and wished to give everything to everyone. He wasn’t perfect, as none of us are, but he asked for forgiveness and forgave any way he could.

He loved reading the Bible and books on theology and philosophy. He also had a special appreciation for travel, trains, planes, and automobiles. Everett had an immense love for all animals, from the dogs and cats who were his companions to the horses he adored. He also loved big band music, and artists such as Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, and The Everly brothers, enjoying singing a song or two.

Some of his most special moments in life were in nature, sitting by a lake, watching a storm come in with his daughters, reading in a redwood tree, visiting the ocean, or hiking around Mt. Everest with his son and close friends.

He is survived by his first wife Mary Jo Stidham White, his children Debra Jewell, Kimberly Jewell, Eboni Jewell-Rolow, and Everett Jewell Jr., as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition his sisters Phyllis Clairmont, Diane Baron and brother Mark Laro. Along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Everett is reunited in heaven with his beloved mother, Clara “Peggy” Laro; his “brother from another mother,” Thomas Scott; his daughter Lynn Banta, his late wife Bera Jewell, as well as his best friends, a black and white Shih Tzu named Johnny, a Pomeranian named Peanut, and the many German Shepherds who loved and guarded him throughout his life.

One of his favorite scriptures, Isaiah 40:31, perfectly captured his spirit: “But those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” We pray he’s now soaring like an eagle, forgiven and freed by the love of Christ.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 am in the Plaza Room at Saddleback Church, 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, California, 92630.