Photo courtesy of Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Smyrna
Smyrna, Tennessee
Sep 12, 1944 – Jul 8, 2021
Martha “Jean” Gooch Spann was born in 1944 in Tiptonville, TN to Thelma Ruth and Alvin Gooch. She was raised in a large Reelfoot Lake family and, although she moved to Nashville in 1962 after graduating high school, the Lake and her family remained part of her heart and soul.
Shortly after her move, Jean met and married Joe Spann, her great true love. Jean was a dedicated and loving mother. Together with her husband, she built the perfect home/playground for their children, and encouraged the opening of their hearts and minds to adventure, education, new experiences, and the expansive world that was greater than all of them. She instilled in her children an appreciation for nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Jean was never happier than when she was on Reelfoot Lake or a hiking trail with her husband, her children, and when possible, her siblings.
Jean began her career in business with a position at the Nashville branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Later, with four young children and another soon to come, she earned a B.S. Degree in Business Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. Her original goal was to become a CPA but her outgoing personality and entrepreneurial spirit lead her to her dream career in real estate.
For 27 years, Jean worked as a realtor in the Rutherford County community. She loved people and developed valued relationships with her clients, eventually amassing an expansive network of people whom she considered friends and even extended family. It was not good enough in her mind to just help a family find their dream home. Jean wanted every client to be able to live the dream even after closing day.
Jean was surrounded by her children on July 8th when she went to join her beloved Joe and her Heavenly Father. Jean was preceded in death by her father Alvin Gooch, mother Thelma Ruth Gooch, sister Ruth Pakish, and brothers Cecil Gooch, Frank Gooch, Jimmy Gooch and Dale Gooch. She leaves behind five daughters Tracy (Dan Warner) Spann, Stacy (Rudi) Rutiaga, Lisa (Ron) Moore, Jennifer (Mark) Warner, Amanda (Joey) Corlew. She had thirteen grandchildren, who were also a great source of pride, Ryan (Amanda) Moore, Will (Natalie) Coleman, Caitlin (Bryan) Slayden, Margaret (David) Germano, Mark Warner, Sam Coleman, Matthew Warner, Samantha Vance, Chandler Corlew, Emily (Cody) Chandler, Jesse Moore, Jacob Moore and Anna Vance; great-granddaughters Ryan Charlotte Germano and Cecilia Germano; great-grandson Ledger Moore; sisters Barbara Hanks and Margaret Hunter; and a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins, all of whom she loved like her own.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17th at Giles Creek Baptist Church at 1 pm and on July 18th at Crockett Chapel, Tiptonville, TN at 1 pm.
Read MoreAunt Jean always had the biggest smile and the warmest laughs. I remember when I was younger she would take us down to then docks and we would all go fishing together. Loving you. Knowing you are dancing with the Angels now brings my heart joy.
Alle Hunter
July 16, 2021 | Bend, OR | Family
Two of the most caring and loving aunt and uncle to be found. I continue to love them both in Heaven and beyond. I love you all cousins!
Robert Hunter
July 16, 2021 | Wise, VA | Family
Jean was one of the first people I met when I joined Bob Parks Realty. We would ride together on the home tours and that was a great way to make close Realtor friends. She had high ethics and absolutely took each client/customer under her wings and made it her personal goal to meet their needs. May the Holy Spirit give her family the peace and comfort that only comes from our Father.
Rita Hamilton
July 16, 2021 | Murfreesboro And Columbia, TN
Jean has always been one of my favorite people in the office, going back when I first met her in 2009. She was always a pleasure to converse with and a kind soul. May she rest peacefully and may the family find their peace. With Sincerity, Meagan
Meagan Sennett
July 15, 2021 | Murfreesboro, TN | Coworker
What a joy it is to have known Jean (& Joe) when our kids were very young. I remember the camaraderie between all in the softball games, and the closeness of our children. I will always remember Jean as beautiful and kind and sweet & very fun, excellent Mother and Wife. She now enjoys the reward she deserves! Her REAL life has just begun! She is just waiting for everyone else to arrive in God's timing! She was very loved by me, even tho the waves of busi-ness and fast pace of life swept...
Margie Bannister
July 15, 2021 | Smyrna, TN | Friend
I met Jean in an accounting class at MTSU. We became instant friends. I was amazed that she had four children, pregnant with Mandy, and going to college. She gave Joe lots of credit saying “Joe helps me a lot”. Jean was a “people person”. She was driven to succeed which was exemplified by her hard work. She was a smart, kind and loving person with a pleasant disposition. I grew to love Jean, Joe, and their family. I always felt welcomed in their home. We enjoyed many good times over the...
SHERRY HARWELL
July 14, 2021 | Manchester, TN
To Lisa and family ,What a great mother and Dad.. we loved coaching softball together when you were young. memories are forever.
Daisye Plisch
July 12, 2021 | Smyrna, TN | Friend
What a perfect picture for your mom’s obituary. This is exactly how I remember your parents. They demonstrated love and family in all they did. I am so thankful to have shared time with the Spann family down at the Lake. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. I know your heart is aching. I can hear your mom and dad laughing and goofing in Heaven. I am sending up love and prayers for each of you. - With Gratitude - Michelle Hunter Wes, ,Alle and Addison
Michelle Hunter
July 12, 2021 | Signal Mountain, TN | Family
