Jean Benefield Morrow

Emma Jean Benefield Morrow, age 101, of Northport, AL, passed away on November 4, 2025 at her home surrounded by loved ones. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Going Morrow; father, Albert George Benefield; mother, Dullie Eliza Kirrk Benefield; sister, Alice Gertrude Benefield Hansard; and brothers, Joe Benefield and Bob Benefield.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jean Morrow Thomley (Crosby); grandchildren, Crosby Morrow Thomley (Loren) and William Wren Thomley; and great-granddaughter, Piper Jean Thomley.
Jean was born as the eldest of four children in 1924 in Tuscaloosa, AL and became the first female Drum Major to lead the Tuscaloosa County High School Wildcat Marching Band. She married Jimmy Morrow in Columbus, MS on October 26, 1952. They had their only daughter, Jeannie, in 1954 in Tuscaloosa.
Jean worked as a bookkeeper for Mr. Hugo Friedman. Later, she was a bookkeeper at Verner Elementary School before working with her husband, Jimmy, as an operator of Lipsey- Scott Dry Goods in downtown Tuscaloosa. She also was a bookkeeper for Leopards Interior. She later worked as bookkeeper for Holman Land Company until her retirement in 2021 at the age of 96!
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. Jean was a long-time season ticket holder of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, she, Jimmy and family friends traveled near and far to yell "Roll Tide Roll!" Jean could always find a good time in Walt Disney World, the Great Smokey Mountains, the beach, and with her beloved family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa or a charity of your choice.