Jean Craig

Jean Ann Craig (née Hogate), affectionately known to many as Jean Bean, Grandma, GG, and Granny, passed away as she lived, wanting to keep moving on, and passed in peace, on September 22, 2025, in Brick, New Jersey. She was 95 years old.

Born on December 6, 1930, in Elsinboro, New Jersey, Jean was the daughter of Katherine Davis Meyers and Henry Hogate. She was of a large family and is now reunited with her siblings-sisters Hannah, Mae, Caroline, Pauline, Alma and brothers Francis, Earl, Leroy, and Joshua. Jean was the last surviving member of the Hogate siblings.

Jean's early working years were at Anchor Hocking Glass Company, Salem, NJ, alongside some of her sisters. Later in life, she was a homemaker. She was known for taking your dinner plate before you were finished eating, and making her children, and guests, wear Dupont white socks so they didn't smudge her waxed floors. Keeping an impeccably clean home, Jean also extended her talents to cleaning homes, hotels, and offices.

Jean worked for Meals on Wheels and The Council for the Aged, caring for home bound patients, in Volusia County, FL.

Jean had a strong spiritual foundation and welcomed the guidance of various pastors throughout her life. She especially cherished traditional hymns that brought comfort and joy to her heart.

She was a woman of generosity, humor, and fierce love. A candid voice, with a quick wit and boundless energy, Jean left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted daughters Judy Bibik (Robert Wulfekuhl) of Port Orange, FL and Linda Searles Stone, daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Killian Searles, of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

Jean's legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren:

Mark , Emily (Curtis Kingsland), KatiLin, Olivia, Linzi, Shay, Taylor, Kyle, and Jordan; as well as great-grandchildren: Jordan Roxy and her mother, Misty Wiley, and twins Violet and Gwen and their mother, Sandy Chmielarski.

Jean was a long-time sweatheart to Adren,"Pop Pop" and "Mr. Kindness" to all who loved him.

Jean endured many losses with such strength. The loss of her son, George Searles, Jr., was profound and ever present.

In recent years, Jean received compassionate care from the staff at Hackensack Meridian Rehabilitation and Nursing Care (Complete Care) in Brick. As the last resident in their Memory Care Unit-and a two-time COVID survivor-she became affectionately known there as Grandma and Momma. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Heather, TeeTee, Marie, Eileen, and in recreation Gloria and Ed. The staff cared for Jean with kindness and incredible patience during her time there.

Celebrations of Jean's life will be held in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ and Port Orange, Florida; details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

May Jean's vibrant spirit continue to inspire all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched with love and laughter.

Jean loved her pets. Memorials may be given to an SPCA chapter of your choice.