Jean Opal "Brown" Moats

Jean Moats, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, after a courageous and long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Born on November 20, 1939, Jean lived a life rich in love, faith, service, and creativity. She was a woman of Christian faith whose vibrant spirit and sharp wit endeared her to all who knew her.

Jean's passion for music was evident throughout her life. She sang joyfully in church choirs and at times served as choir director, sharing her voice and leadership with her faith community.

In the 1970s, Jean broke barriers as the first female police officer in Kendallville, Indiana, demonstrating courage and resolve in spaces where women were not the norm. Her example of strength and competence shaped her children's understanding of leadership and perseverance. From law enforcement, Jean went on to build a successful career in property management and residential real estate.

She embraced life with enthusiasm. Whether hosting unforgettable gatherings for family and friends, capturing beauty through her camera lens, or soaking in the warmth of the sun.

Jean loved sunsets, the beach, and the sunshine she found while living in Texas, Florida, and Colorado before returning home to Indiana in her final years to be close to her children and extended family.

In Colorado, her passion for photography flourished. She sold her award-winning photographs in boutique shops, served as President of her photography club, and participated in artisan markets throughout the Four Corners region of the western United States.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Roy Moats; her son, Erich Maxwell; her daughters, Susan Maxwell and Sarah Maxwell; five cherished grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Marion C. Brown and Rev. Hattie Bell Brown; her sisters, Dorothy Thomas (George), Doris Ann Millhouse (Lewis), and Helen Rogers (David); and her brothers, Harold (Hal) Brown (Lavonda) and Jerry Brown (Barbara).

A memorial service honoring Jean's life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jean's memory to support Lewy body dementia research, such as with the Lewy Body Dementia Association, which funds research to better understand, treat, and eventually cure this disease: https://www.lbda.org/donate/

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com