Jean Hay Land

Jean Hay Land was born in Macon, Georgia on December 2, 1927 to Nan and Robert Lee Hay. She spent her younger years in Macon, and then attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. It was there she met her husband of 70 years, the late Bill Land, whom she married in 1949. They made their home in Montgomery where Jean was a homemaker and enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, and entertaining while raising their three daughters.

In 1970 the family moved to Birmingham, where Jean continued to be an avid bridge player and community volunteer. As a longtime member of Canterbury UMC, she was active in the United Methodist Women (now United Women of Faith). She and Bill were members of the John Wesley class and later the JOY class, making numerous friends and cultivating treasured relationships.

Also, Jean earned a Master Gardener certification, volunteering for 10 years at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, introducing children to the joys of gardening and teaching about plants. Her passion for flower arranging and loving all things that bloom continued throughout her later years. In addition, she served in the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Birmingham, the Women’s Committee of the Birmingham Ballet, and the Women’s Auxiliary to the Birmingham Humane Society.

Jean is survived by her three daughters; Joy Noble (Gary), Susan “Cricket” Johnson (Waverly), and Sally Rasmussen (Robert); she is also survived by five grandsons; Jeffrey Jackson (Myra), Waverly Johnson IV, Peyton Johnson, Christian Rasmussen, Lt. William Rasmussen (Elizabeth); and two great-grandsons; Landon Jackson and Mason Jackson. The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Norma Williams, Jean’s faithful companion and caregiver, for the love and care she provided over the past five years, along with the amazing team that saw to Jean’s needs in the past months.

Jean Land will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. She was an extraordinary lady who cherished her many friendships and adoring family.

The family will receive visitors in the parlor of Canterbury United Methodist Church, Saturday, September 14th, at 10:30 A.M. to be followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:30 in the Chapel. In lieu of customary remembrances, any gift in Jean’s memory may be made to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (https://bbgardens.org/donate/), or the Birmingham Area Salvation Army (https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/birmingham-al/waystogive/).