Jean Terrell

Jean Terrell, 90, passed away at her home in Wilton, CT, on November 28, 2008, after a lengthy and bravely fought battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Longview, TX, October 25, 1918, the daughter of the late Nannie Mae Bramlette and William Hughes Terrell, Jean earned a B.A. degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1940 and worked for three years for the Texas Department of Welfare. She received a Master's degree in social work in 1944 from Columbia University in New York City and worked for a year in Philadelphia before moving to Stamford, CT. There she joined Stamford's Family and Children Services where she worked until retiring in the early 1980s.

After retirement, Jean established her own busines in picture framing and art restoration; some of Jean's restorations are in Norwalk's historic Silvermine Tavern. Throughout her life, Jean was a fishing, gardening, and golf enthusiast, holding several league championship trophies. She was a long-time member and ordained Elder of Wilton Presbyterian Church.

Jean was predeceased by her friend and companion of more than 50 years, Janet Sprout. Jean lived out her life in the home they built together on Bob White Lane, a home filled with many happy memories of people, good times, and good works.

Jean was predeceased by her brother, Dr. William Robert Terrell, of Kilgore, TX, and a great nephew Lance Harlan Laird. She is survived by William's wife Jane Fleetwood Terrell; niece Nancy Elizabeth “Libby” Terrell Laird, who married Clarence Harlan Laird; nephew William Robert Terrell II, who married Janie Monroe Terrell; great nieces Laci Laird Canion and Lani Laird Clark; great nephews William Robert Terrell III and Andrew Monroe Terrell; great- great nephew Cade Harlan Clark; her loyal and steadfast caregiver for the past four years, Janet Jackson; and many, many long-time friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather in celebration of Jean's life on Saturday, December 6, at 10:00 am at the Wilton Presbyterian Church on Rt 106 for a memorial service and burial in the church's Memorial Garden, a “quiet place in a natural setting dedicated to the remembrance of loved ones” — a place envisioned and proposed to other church leaders by Jean and Janet in the early 1990s. May they rest in peace in the garden of their dreams.

Harding Funeral Home in Westport is in charge of arrangements. Please call (203) 227-3458 for recorded detailed information. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to your favorite charity in Jean's name.