Jamie Tomek, of Olney, died at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on February 28, 2026. She was 79. A memorial service is planned for April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Olney United Methodist Church in Olney, Missouri  with burial at the Olney Cemetery immediately following the service.

Jamie, who dedicated her life to justice and activism, never missed a volunteer shift. A committed leader, her weeks were full of meetings for organizations that supported women's rights, veteran's rights, and youth agricultural education or volunteer shifts at the hospital or prison supporting rehabilitation. When her schedule called her home for rest, her house filled with the sounds of National Public Radio – keeping her abreast of the latest news.

Jamie married 1st Lt. Glen Tomek, who was killed in 1969 in the Vietnam War. Jamie found herself in dedicated leadership roles for the Gold Star Wives of America, promoting healthcare and benefits to the surviving spouses of military veterans.

Jamie developed her passion for supporting youth education while working as an MU extension agent in Cass and Jackson Counties for 20 years. She took delight in interspersing her work for the organization with visits to 4-H meetings and summer day camps, where she loved to sing songs like, "Frogs in Yonder Pond." Her interactions with children brought out her laughter, genuine and happy. She was one of the original members of the Missouri Association of Extension 4-H Youth Workers Association (MAE 4-HYW), and served in many office roles for the organization.

In later years, Jamie served as a leader for Missouri chapters of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE). She was known as one of the best grant writers for the Raintree Arts Council, where she was an administrator who handled visual, performing, literary, and music arts.

Jamie enjoyed traveling the world, visiting her nieces in places like Italy, Spain and China or longtime family friends in Belgium. She loved an opportunity to try new foods and expand her experiences.

Jamie was preceded in death by her parents James and Margaret Sue Harness of Olney. She is survived by her sister Joyce Sweet; her nieces Nikki Anderson, Ashley Anderson, and Shelley Anderson; and her great-nieces Evie Huffman, Annika Anderson-Kozien, and Sage, Brooke, and great-nephew Henry Pendergrass.

Jamie graduated from Silex High School in 1964 and from the University of Missouri with Bachelor's (1968) and later a Master's Degree.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Missouri 4-H Foundation or charity of your choice. Missouri 4-H Foundation, 109 Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. 4hfoundation@missouri.edu

Please sign our online guestbook at: www.mccoyblossomfh.com