M. Jean Means

M. Jean Means, 95, of Pleasant Valley, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at her home on the family farm, "Means Rest", surrounded in love by her family. Born May 11, 1930, in Annapolis, she was the third of five daughters of the late Milton and Mary Susan (Cook) Cook. She was the loving wife of the late John W. Means, Sr., to whom she was married for 65 years until his passing in July of 2014. Jean was a graduate of Westminster High School, Class of 1947. Over the years, she held various jobs, including employment with the 3M Company and at a sewing factory, where her talents as a seamstress shone-she could fix just about anything. She was also an excellent baker- and was known for making the best homemade noodles and worked at Baugher's Bakery and Bullock's Airport Restaurant. Jean was a 68-year member of the Auxiliary to the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, where she held numerous offices and was especially known for her role as head cook. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the LAMSFA and, in 2023, into the Hall of Fame for the Auxiliary to the CCVESA. In 2008, Jean received the prestigious Honey Award from the MSFA. Jean was also a life member of the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company and was honored for many years as one of the top ten fundraisers for hours contributed. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest member of both organizations. Jean was the oldest member of St. Matthew's United Church of Christ in Pleasant Valley. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, church council member, and was active on the Mission Committee. Jean firmly believed in using her time and talents to help others. She shared her gift of sewing by crafting church banners and creating recycled purses and tote bags from animal feed bags. One of her fondest memories was helping care for a group of youth and adult volunteers who participated in a Habitat for Humanity house blitz. Through her kindness and generosity, she quickly adopted many of the youth as her own grandchildren. Surviving her hare children Denise Dix of Waukesha, WI, Donna Geiman and husband Jeffrey of Westminster, John W. Means, Jr. and wife Doreen of Westminster, Jeffrey Means of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren Justin, Lucas, John, Erin, Leland, Zachary and Emily; and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters and spouses Katherine and Kenneth Crum, Maryanna and Harry Cooney, Doris and James Fritz, Carleen and Norman Harris; granddaughter Hannah Dix; and son-in-law David Dix. The family will welcome friends on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapell, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster. The Pleasant Valley Community Fire company and Auxiliary will hold a Memorial Service Friday evening at 7:45 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 10am at St. Matthews United Church of Christ, 1427 Pleasant Valley Rd., Westminster MD 21158. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Matthews United Church of Christ, Carroll County Habitat for Humanity, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster MD 21157 www.cchabitat.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com