Jannell R. Pickeral

Jannell R. Pickeral, 56, of Brownville, New York, passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and many friends, and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County. She will always be remembered as a dedicated educator, and a beloved member of the community.

She was born on September 29, 1967, in Watertown, New York, the daughter of James J. Grant, Jr. and Carol J. (Pound) Grant.

After graduating from Watertown High School in 1985, Jannell pursued her passion for education, earning an associate’s arts degree from JCC in 1987. She continued her studies at SUNY Oswego, focusing on secondary language education, particularly French, and graduated in May of 1990. As part of her education, Jannell studied in France at the Sorbonne University, which inspired her love for traveling. Jannell embarked on her teaching career at General Brown High School in the 1990-1991 school year. She devoted 34 years to teaching French and Spanish. She also earned her master’s degree in teaching from SUNY Potsdam. Jannell’s dedication to her students extended beyond the classroom as she served as a class advisor for several years. She also led the International Club, where she took very much pride in organizing numerous trips to Europe and Latin America. She was deeply passionate about reading, teaching, and formed lasting bonds with her students throughout her career.

On August 27, 1994, Jannell married Robert J. Pickeral Sr., whom she met while he was serving in the military at Fort Drum. The couple resided in Brownville, where Jannell’s husband worked as a vet tech at the Limerick Veterinary Clinic and as a lab tech on Fort Drum.

In addition to her husband, Jannell is survived by her two sons, Robert J. "Robbie" Pickeral Jr., of Brownville, NY and Carson T. Pickeral, of Rochester, NY; her beloved mother, Carol J. Grant, Chaumont, NY, her sisters, Laurie (Troy) Eves, of Chaumont, NY, Nicole (Mike) Marks, Brownville, NY, and Erika Grant, Watertown, NY; her brother-in-law, Scott T. Newberry, of MD; her nieces, Mallory Marks and Olivia Eves; her nephews, Colden Marks and Hunter Grant; and her cherished dog, Lucky. She is also survived by her two best friends, Carol Bennett and Cheryl Winters, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, James J. Grant, Jr., and her mother-in-law, Sue Tayman.

Jannell will always be remembered for her loving kindness, never-ending wit, infectious smile, bravery, strength, and perseverance. Most importantly, what she will always be remembered for is her love for her family and friends, especially her husband, their two sons Robbie and Carson, their significant others Nicole and Ariel (and of course Lucky), her students, her teacher friends, and lastly, how her true colors shined through, time after time.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19th on Fisher Field at General Brown High School. Family will receive friends immediately following the service.

A reception for family and friends will begin at 4 p.m. at the Dexter American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jannell’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Jefferson County, or to the Jannell Pickeral Memorial Scholarship c/o General Brown CSD PO Box 500 Dexter, NY 13634.

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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