Monday, January 15, 2024
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All of us who knew Jean remember her love of lighthouses. I think that fascination was a reflection of her own character — standing tall and weathering the trials of life. Jean's resilience was a shining example of how one can face challenges with grace and determination. Her faith was the anchor that kept her grounded through the highs and lows. She was such an inspiration to me.
Her loyalty to friends and family was unwavering, a true testament to the kind of person she was. She set high standards for herself and others. That standard of excellence permeated EVERY ASPECT OF HER LIFE. One time when we arrived at her beach house in Emerald Isle we were making the beds. Once the fitted sheet was on, I got a look that let me know I had not met the Jean standard. She said, “Pull those corners tighter, I want a dime to bounce off this sheet!”
She pursued excellence in all she did, whether it was tending to her flowers, preparing food, decorating her home, supporting her beloved Tar Heels teams or choosing the most perfectly coordinated outfit. Did you ever see Jean when she wasn’t dressed to perfection?? And yet, in her pursuit of perfection, she remained remarkably flexible, embracing life's uncertainties with a grace that left those around her in awe. Before moving to a retirement community last September, I told her I wanted to be like her, and adapt the way she did when she moved to the Cedars.
Jean accepted what life brought her with a quiet strength, finding everything positive in both the planned and unplanned chapters. Her ability to adapt, to find joy in simplicity, and to appreciate life's challenges made her a unique and inspirational soul.
As we say farewell to Jean, I will always remember her as the lighthouse she was — a source of strength and a guiding light.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Mary Sexton