Jean Kavanaugh Parker

Jean Kavanaugh Parker Jean Kavanaugh Parker, 64, died April 15, 2010, at her home in Shell Point. She is the daughter of Elwin Clinch Kavanaugh, Jr., deceased, and Mary Celeste Hardee Kavanaugh of Fernandina Beach. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, Robert C. Parker, Jr.; brothers E. Clinch Kavanaugh, III and William H. Kavanaugh of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Nan Kavanaugh Gibson of Fort Myers; six nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. Jean spent her childhood in Bradenton and was a graduate of Manatee High School. She graduated from Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia, and The Florida State University College of Law cum laude. During her professional career she lived in Tallahassee, where she was a law clerk for the late Justice Richard W. Ervin of the Florida Supreme Court, served as Associate Counsel for The Florida State University, was a member of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, and was in the private practice of law with her husband. She was the first President of the Tallahassee Junior League who was also engaged in full-time employment. She served on the boards of The Tallahassee Symphony and the Tallahassee Civic Ballet. Her interests included the performing and visual arts (especially opera and ballet), history (especially visiting historic sites), and sailing. She was a crossword puzzle enthusiast. After retirement she and her husband sailed their thirty-nine foot sailboat "Patient Lady" across the Atlantic Ocean, an adventure of which she was particularly proud. They then spent over ten years visiting countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea while living aboard their boat. Celebrations of her life will be held later. Contributions in her memory may be made to Big Bend Hospice or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.