Jean Norfleet Laughlin
Jean Norfleet Laughlin
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Jean Laughlin Obituary
Born in Memphis on November 1, 1946, Jean was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Frank Norfleet. She is survived by her husband, John Laughlin; sons John Laughlin (Britton) and Frank Laughlin (Stephanie); grandchildren Jack, Elizabeth, Miles, Henry, and Essie Laughlin; sisters Janet Sheahan and Frances Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family.
Known for her warmth, humor, and love of people, Jean treasured friendships and found joy in spending time with others. She had close friends going back to grade school and as an adult was a part of various Bible studies, prayer groups, gardening clubs, and a "sewing circle," where no sewing occurred but lifelong bonds were formed. She was also dedicated to serving in her church and community, where she gladly made new friends too.
Jean was devoted to her family as well. She grew up with wonderful parents and sisters and met the love of her life, Johnny, as a teenager. Jean and Johnny married shortly after college and celebrated over 55 years together of laughter, music, dancing, and gardening. They enjoyed raising their two boys and delighted in the addition of their daughters-in-law and grandchildren to the family.
Jean loved so many people so well throughout her life because she knew the love of Jesus for her. Now she knows that love perfectly and fully. She will be deeply missed, but her family rejoices in the legacy of faith, love, laughter, and life she left to us.
The family also sincerely thanks all of the caregivers who walked with Jean on her final journey and took such exceptional care of her. We are deeply grateful.
A visitation will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 am, and the memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. Please send memorials to Second Presbyterian Church, Refugee Empowerment Program, or a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Philip West
February 4, 2026
One of my favorite childhood memories was after my Dad died when I was 5, going across the street and asking Mrs. Laughlin if I could jump on the trampoline in her backyard. She always said yes and told me to be careful. In that backyard was always a Boykin Spaniel that Mr. Laughlin trained as his duck dog. 30+ years later, returning to town from a duck hunt, I stopped by the Laughlin´s to say hello and introduce my own Boykin Spaniel, Gus. I will forever be grateful that I stopped by the home I knew so well and let her know that I was doing fine and was able to thank her for being such a wonderfully nice neighbor to a grieving little boy. Thank you, Laughlin´s
Mayhill Fowler
January 25, 2026
Jean and I shared thirteen years together at the Miss Hutchison School for Girls (now simply Hutchison). Jean was always a leader. In first grade, when our class was Chicken Little for May Day, I didn´t know where to go when the sky was falling, but Jean stepped out onto the May Day green and pulled me to safety. I still treasure the memory. Jean is at rest in the Lord now. May He bless and keep her loved ones now and always.
Kathy Hoagland Nelson
January 23, 2026
My deepest sympathy to Jean's family and her many friends. I was a classmate of hers at Miss Hutchison's, a wonderful school where we were taught the Christian values of kindness, love and honor. Jean demonstrated all those values strongly throughout her life. We have lost a ray of sunshine, but heaven has gained an angel.
JOSEPHINE MILLER
January 22, 2026
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Harry and Marty Fogle
January 21, 2026
Our deepest condolences to John and the Laughlin family. We always felt it was a bonus if we had the opportunity to see Jean during our visits to Memphis. She was a beautiful person.
Jennifer Fogle
January 21, 2026
My condolences to John and the Laughlin family. Jean was the most gracious person and it was a privilege to know her.
Nancy Patton Langdon
January 20, 2026
Jean and I go back to our kindergarten years at Hutchison where we all remember that she was Snow White in our class play. We spent thirteen years together at Hutchison and during our college years she and I worked together in the summers st First National Bank downtown. It was our first jobs and we had such a good time being downtown and learning the rope of being an employee. A year and half ago we spent time together with our fellow classmates at our 60th class reunion. Jean had not changed. She was as beautiful, personable, and loving as ever. Through my sister Lynne I was able to keep up with Jean through France´s and Janet´s relationships with Lynne. Many great memories of being at the Norfleet house and the girls´ great parents. My love to all the family.
Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery
January 20, 2026
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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5668 Poplar Avenue P.O. Box 17144, Memphis, TN 38119-0885
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