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BORN
1928
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Jean Smith Obituary
She worked as a switchboard operator and union steward helping train African American women among others in the early sixties as integration efforts began in corporate America. She relished in her memories of helping her co-workers keep their jobs after discrepancies and after repeated attempts of the company pleading with her to join management she refused and maintained she was content where she was needed with her working sisters.
She retired after over 34 years of service and always maintained that her cherished stepfather Odie Wade, was responsible for guiding her work ethic and financial independence. She always kept a landline and touted her free long-distance and minimal "retiree" monthly bill. She was a devout Christian and for many of her later years, attended the Catholic Church of the Incarnation and gave regularly to several religious charity organizations.
Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Clifton "Buddy" Young Milton Jr., sister Cecilia Ashe, and nephews James "Jim" Ashe and Richard Ashe. Jean leaves behind her beloved brother's children; William Street, Ann Dye, John Street, Clifton "CY" Milton III, Wade Milton, Eugene Milton and sister's children Joseph (Linda) Ashe, Cathy (Marvin) Summers, Maria (David) Taylor, Edward (Rhonda)Ashe, Susan (Bobby) James and her stepsister, Mattie Pack. Additionally, she leaves behind over a dozen great-nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. Services will follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery, 7500 E Holmes Rd, Memphis, TN.
Jean's wishes were that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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