Jeanne Henson Bumgarner

Jeanne Henson Bumgarner, age 88, passed away (Day of the Week) at her home on Fairview Road in Sylva, NC. Jeanne was born in Buncombe County on October 10, 1937. At the age of 2, she came to live with her adoptive parents Ila and Grady Henson, in the Fairview Community in Jackson County. Jeanne attended elementary school at the old Webster School and graduated in 1955 from Cullowhee High School. She was preceded in death by Clyde Taylor Bumgarner, her husband of 59 years. Jeanne and Clyde had a good life together until his death June 2016. They lived the first 14 years of their marriage in Cherokee due to Clyde’s employment with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Over the years they met and made many cherished friends. Dreaming for years to build a home in Sylva, it became a reality in 1970, where they spent the remaining years of their lives on Fairview Road.

Surviving are: two sons Ronnie and Tony; four grandchildren Linsey, Cory, Neil Taylor, and Naomi; four great grandchildren Brielle. Bella, Koa, and Keoni: and one deceased great-grandchild Ila Belle Brooks. Jean and Clyde were life-long members of Love’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Jeanne sang in the choir, played piano, and served many years on various church committees.

Jean retired in 2000 with 30-years service as a Secretary for the N.C. State Department of Transportation, Department of Right-of-Way Department.

She loved her family and church dearly and was so proud of all of them. She really enjoyed and loved all the family gatherings and all the memories they shared together.

Visitation will be held 10:30-11:30am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Love’s Chapel Methodist Church with a graveside service following the visitation at the Love’s Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Love’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 51, Sylva, NC 28779.