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BORN

1929

DIED

2020

Jean Sterling Obituary

Wilma Jean Depp Sterling was born in Eighty-Eight, KY to Hermon and Lillian Depp on April 15, 1929. She died June 6, 2020. Jean graduated from high school as valedictorian in '47. Because there was a teacher shortage, the school superintendent asked her to teach in a one room school house (grades 1-8) in Eight-Eight. For 2 years she taught relatives and neighbors, took correspondence courses at Western KY University and attended doubled loads of college courses in the summers. She graduated in '51 with a degree in elementary education. Jean taught 2 years in Louisville. During the summers, she worked on her Masters in Education at Vanderbilt Peabody College in Nashville where she met Joe Sterling. They married on the same day as their graduation in '54 and move to Apopka, FL. Jean taught at Apopka Elementary, Dream Lake Elementary, Union Park Elementary and Liberty Middle. Even though she retired from OCPS in'91, she continued teaching Sunday School until her 90th birthday. In addition to her full time career, she assisted her family in theirs. She spent many years keeping the stats for Joe's basketball games. She helped Lois Ann with children's choir at First Baptist Orlando. She encouraged and supported Joe, Alice and Jon as they pursued their careers. She was preceded in death by Joe after 61 years of marriage in 2015 and by her youngest, Jon, in 2012. She is survived by Joe, Jr. (Djina); Alice (Jeff Deen); Adopted family member, Lois Ann Roberts (Bob); grandchildren: Cassidy, Joey, Josh and Annie. A memorial honoring the life of Jean Sterling will be held Sunday, July 26th at 3:00 pm Downtown Baptist Church Orlando (parking garage entrance off Church Street). The memorial will also be streamed live at www.DBO.church

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel from Jul. 11 to Jul. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Sterling

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

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Lajuaia Granger

September 10, 2020

I have many special memories of this well-respected and delightful christian lady! I knew her when she was a part of the community and First Baptist Church of Apopka. I met Jean in 1954. I had just graduated from Apopka Memorial High School and had become secretary for the new principal of Apopka Elementary School, where Jean was a sixth grade teacher. I was 18 years old. I started college in 1955.
She was a beloved lady whose beautiful smile and soft laughter has always been unforgettable. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to get to know her (and Joe)!
My condolences to family and friends. May God bless and comfort you in your loss.

Debbie Bonadies

July 26, 2020

What a blessing to have known Jean Sterling. I have wonderful memories of her love and hospitality. The memorial service was a perfect tribute to the legacy she left behind. "Well done..good and faithful servant"

Linda Agnello and Bob Olsen

July 26, 2020

Alice and family....our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. We will keep our distance and try to stream your Mom’s Memorial today due to social distancing. Please know that we are with you in spirit and we are so sorry for your loss.

David Gunning

July 26, 2020

It is hard to believe that my “Aunt Jean” is gone. I am the son of Joe Sterling’s sister, Stella. I grew up in Ohio, but our family visited Florida every year and always spent time with Joe, Jean, “little” Joey, and Alice. Aunt Jean was always such a loving, gracious, and entertaining host. As a boy, I just took all of this for granted – everyone must be like this. I didn’t realize until many years later what an amazing and unique person Aunt Jean was. Her home was always filled with love, warmth, interesting conversation – and great home cooked food! She will be missed. The world was a better place for her presence.

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

david gunning

Sent Flowers

Whispering Love Arrangement - BASKET INCLUDED

Julia Tarnue

Sent Flowers

Comfort Planter

William Kirby

Sent Flowers

Lori Huffman

July 24, 2020

So many wonderful memories of a very special lady and friend. She holds a very special place in my heart, and I will miss her greatly.

Farewell Too Soon Bouquet

Lori Huffman

Sent Flowers

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Maria Scardino

Planted Trees

The Spathiphyllum Plant

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Carol LeviLevif

July 22, 2020

My heart goes out to her family!
She was well respected and lived a happy life surronded by her loving family and friends.
She will be dearly missed!

Dan and Candie Bogdan

July 19, 2020

would love when she would pop in for a visit at Florida Eye Clinic. After the opening of the door her smile would follow and it brought such a smile to all our faces! One of the nicest sweetest person I will ever have met in my lifetime! An honor knowing her and her family. All my love to Dr Sterling and her family at this moment in time! Gods blessing!

Isabelle Peterson Holcomb

July 18, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jamie Lawson

July 17, 2020

What a beautiful lady! Although I didn't get to meet her, I can tell by her smile (and her daughter) that I would have loved her! I'm so sorry for you loss. What a long life she had. Just think of all of the changes she witnessed in her lifetime. Wow!

Jan Kloth

July 17, 2020

Mrs. Sterling brings back some great memories. She always had that infectious smile along with a kind word.

Dan Goolsby

July 17, 2020

Jean was one of my all time favorite people.

Samantha meyer

July 13, 2020

It was always nice to see her whenever she visited. She was always smiling and very cheerful, it was nice knowing her.

Robert C Adams

July 12, 2020

Mrs. Sterling brings back many joyous memories. Always that great smile, bubbling personality and willingness to help. One could never feel bad when around her. Thanks for all those wonderful days and years.

Bob Adams

Lori V

July 12, 2020

She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say every time I saw her. She will be missed!

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Memorial Events
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Jul

26

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Downtown Baptist Church Orlando

120 E. Pine St., Orlando, FL 32801-2833

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