Jean Green Oatman

Jean was born on March 19, 1932, the daughter of Jerry J and Coree Green, and lived most of her life in the Southside area of Jacksonville. She was a 1950 graduate of Landon High School where she was active in athletic activities and as a majorette in the school band. Upon graduation, she married the boy from across the street, Bert Oatman, and went with him to complete his senior year at the University of Florida. Bert and Jean were devoted to each other enjoying nearly 70 years of marriage before his passing in April 2020, at age 90.

When they returned to Jacksonville, Jean worked for Bell South before becoming a stay-at-home mother; she was the ultimate homemaker and was devoted to their four children, embracing every opportunity to be present in their lives. Once her youngest child entered college, Jean worked as records secretary in the Guidance Office at Landon Junior High School for 12 years until her retirement in 1992. An avid fan of the Florida Gators football team, she and Bert attended most of the Gator games for 30 years, often combining visits to family and friends with out-of-town games. During their retirement, they loved roaming throughout the United States and Canada in their RV and made frequent trips to Europe.

Jean and her family joined Lakewood Methodist Church in 1958. For 60 years she served on numerous administrative committees, taught Sunday school, was youth coordinator, and volunteered in the kitchen preparing thousands of fellowship dinners. Jean was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and seemed to always gravitate to those in need. She was known throughout the church and wider community for her friendly spirit, generosity, and willingness to jump in wherever there was a need. An avid gardener, Jean took pride in her flowers and beautiful backyard that she personally maintained and was a life member of the Violet Garden Circle.

Jean was pre-deceased by her parents, Jerry and Coree Green, her brother Jerald Green, and her husband, Bert Oatman. Survivors include her children Linda Durant, Nancy (Bob) Kennedy, Wayne (Deborah) Oatman, Leith Oatman (Mike Wood), 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, her beloved sisters Patricia Richardson and Lourene McKnelly, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is especially grateful for the loving care and companionship of Karen, Kathy, Rosemary, Sandi, Minnie, Leeanna, Maria, Kim, Dale, and Amy. Jean was loved dearly by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

A graveside service and reception will be held on September 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery (4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207). In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Lakewood Church of Jacksonville (https://lcjax.org/give) or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/donate/).