Jean Binnicker

1951 - 2026

Jean Atkinson Binnicker, 74, of Charleston, S.C. passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 following a brief illness.

Jean was born on December 18, 1951 in Orangeburg, S.C. and spent the early years of her life in San Diego, Calif. and later in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Growing up on the coast made her a fully dedicated beach lover and a "pretty good" practitioner of the Carolina shag.

Upon returning to Orangeburg, Jean graduated from Orangeburg High School, Class of 1970, and attended Georgia Southern University, where she was initiated into Phi Mu Fraternity and forged many dear, lifelong friendships.

Settling initially in Hilton Head, S.C., and thereafter establishing herself professionally in Orangeburg, Jean embarked on a 50-year career in banking, rising from the teller line to her eventual retirement as Vice President of Commercial Loan Closing at SouthState Bank. Jean carried many "occupational hazards" from her years in the banking industry including meticulously ordering and straightening every bill that she ever laid hands on. For this, she was good-naturedly teased by her son, who now does the same thing himself, leaving one to wonder who the joke was actually on in the end.

Jean was predeceased by her father, William B. Atkinson, Sr., USN; and mother, Mary Belle Rousseau Atkinson.

She is survived and will be dearly missed by her brother, William B. "Skip" Atkinson, Jr., USAF Ret. (Jean), of Destin, Fla.; her sister, Anne Bruce Hicks (Steve), of Summerville, S.C.; her devoted son, George L. "Tripp" Binnicker III (Jennifer), of Charleston, S.C.; her twin grandchildren, Eleanor Grace Binnicker and George Everett Binnicker; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcomed to either Dorchester Paws or The USO as Jean was a dedicated animal lover as well as immensely proud of her family's heritage of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of Lowcountry Community Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care.

Services honoring Jean's life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1157 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407, with the Rev. Dr. Daniel Smoak officiating. Reception to follow.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.